Pharmacologic Substance
methyldopa
[ meth-uhl-doh-puh ]
Effect:
Decreased Blood Pressure; Decreased Central Nervous System Norepinephrine Activity
May Treat:
Hypertension
More Information:
Definitions related to methyldopa:
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A phenylalanine derivative and an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor with antihypertensive activity. Methyldopa is a prodrug and is metabolized in the central nervous system. The antihypertensive action of methyldopa seems to be attributable to its conversion into alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which is a potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to and stimulates potent central inhibitory alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. This results in a decrease in sympathetic outflow and decreased blood pressure.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has both central and peripheral nervous system effects. Its primary clinical use is as an antihypertensive agent.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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