Methyldopa
Overview
Methyl dopa is a widely used oral antihypertensive agent. Methyldopa is analog of L-dopa. Chemically Methyldopa is identified as L-3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine. After crossing the blood-brain barrier, Methyldopa is decarboxylated to produce alpha-methylnorepinephrine. This metabolite stimulates central inhibitory alpha-adrenergic receptors, thereby reducing peripheral resistance and lowering blood pressure.it also may act as a false transmitter, thereby exerting a direct effect on peripheral sympathetic nerves. Blood pressure decreases are greatest when the patient is standing but are also significant when the patient is supine. Postural hypotension has been reported in patients receiving it. It can cause sodium and fluid retention, and tolerance can develop during long-term therapy.
Primary Characterstics
Indications
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Pharmacokinetics
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Contraindications
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Side Effects
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Dosage
Methyldopa's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose
|
Single Dose
|
Frequency
|
Route
|
Instructions
|
Adult Dosage
|
| 0.5 to 2 g | 1.2 (1.25) | 12 hourly | | For renal hypertension |
| 250 to 500 mg | 380 (375) | 12 hourly | PO | For Primary hypertension ,Maximum daily dose is 3g. |
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
|
| 5 to 0 mg/kg | 2.5 (2.5) | 6 hourly | Intra Venous | In 2-4 divided dose is 65 mg/kg, |
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
|
| 5 to 10 mg/kg | 7.5 (7.5) | 6 hourly | Intra Venous | - |
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and patients suffering from Liver Malfunction.
If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
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Warning / Precautions
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Storage Conditions
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Interference in Pathology
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Brands / Trade Names of
Methyldopa
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