Methyldopate Hydrochloride

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The hydrochloride salt form of methyldopa, a phenylalanine derivate and 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:** - Aldomet Ester Hydrochloride - L-3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine Ethyl Ester Hydrochloride - L-Tyrosine, 3-hydroxy-alpha-methyl-, Ethyl Ester, Hydrochloride - METHYLDOPATE HYDROCHLORIDE - Methyldopa Ethyl Ester Hydrochloride