Methyldopa- Antihypertensive drug

                                                                       METHYLDOPA

DESCRIPTION:

Methyldopa (L-α-Methyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine; Aldomet, Aldoril, Dopamet, Dopegyt, etc.) is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent. It is metabolized to alpha-methylnorepinephrine in the brain, and this compound is thought to activate central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (Gerber, 1990). Being a selective agonist for α₂ adrenergic receptors, psychoactive drug is used as asympatholytic or antihypertensive. Its use is now mostly deprecated following the introduction of alternative safer classes of agents. However, it continues to have a role in otherwise difficult to treat hypertension and gestational hypertension (previously known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)).

Treatment

There is no specific treatment, but is monitored closely to rapidly identify pre-eclampsia and its life-threatening complications (HELLP syndrome and eclampsia).

Drug treatment options are limited, as many antihypertensives may negatively affect the fetus. Methyldopa, hydralazine, and labetalol are most commonly used for severe pregnancy hypertension.

The fetus is at increased risk for a variety of life-threatening conditions, including pulmonary hypoplasia (immature lungs). If the dangerous complications appear after the fetus has reached a point of viability

USE OF METHYDOPA

Treating high blood pressure. It may be used with other high blood pressure medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Methyldopa is an alpha-2 receptor agonist. It reduces elevated blood pressure by relaxing and dilating (widening) blood vessels. Blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure through dilated blood vessels.

Do NOT use methyldopa if:

·         you are allergic to any ingredient in methyldopa

·         you have liver disease, severe kidney problems, a liver reaction caused by past use of methyldopa, or a history of anemia caused by your immune system

·         you are receiving enteral feedings

·         you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine)

Less serious side effects may include:

·         weight gain;

·         drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;

·         headache;

·         joint pain or swelling, muscle pain;

·         dry mouth;

·         vomiting, stomach pain;

·         swollen or "black" tongue;

·         constipation, diarrhea, bloating

       Referance- Tripathi K.D,"Essentials of medical pharmacology',7th edition,page no-559,566