Methyldopa
Methyldopa
Methyldopa (pronounced: meth-ill-DOE-puh) is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It is one of the preferred treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy. For other types of high blood pressure including very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms other medications are typically preferred. It can be given by mouth or injection into a vein. Onset of effects is around 5 hours and they last about a day.
Etymology
The term "Methyldopa" is derived from its chemical structure, methyl (indicating the presence of a methyl group) and dopa, which is an abbreviation for dihydroxyphenylalanine.
Usage
Methyldopa works by stimulating the central nervous system to reduce the amount of blood the heart pumps out, and to decrease the frequency of nerve signals that trigger the release of natural substances that narrow blood vessels.
Side Effects
Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and inflammation of the liver. Serious side effects may include liver inflammation, hemolytic anemia, and low platelets.
Related Terms
- Antihypertensive drugs: A class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Central nervous system: The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
- Hemolytic anemia: A condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over.
- Liver inflammation: A condition that occurs when the liver becomes swollen and tender or painful.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methyldopa
- Wikipedia's article - Methyldopa
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