Methyldopa

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** 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.

**Synonyms:** - 3-Hydroxy-alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine - Aldomet - Amodopa - Dopamet - L-2-Amino-2-methyl-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic Acid - Levo-3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine - METHYLDOPA