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alpha methyldopa
Alpha methyldopa is a prodrug that is converted to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which acts as a central-acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist to reduce sympathetic outflow and lower blood pressure.
Alpha methyldopa is a prodrug that is converted to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which acts as a central-acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist to reduce sympathetic outflow and lower blood pressure. Used for Hypertension, Hypertension in pregnancy.
At a glance
| Generic name | alpha methyldopa |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Aldomet |
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center |
| Drug class | Central-acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist |
| Target | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Alpha methyldopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is metabolized to alpha-methylnorepinephrine in the central nervous system. This active metabolite stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity and reducing peripheral vascular resistance, thereby lowering blood pressure. It also has some peripheral alpha-adrenergic activity.
Approved indications
- Hypertension
- Hypertension in pregnancy
Common side effects
- Sedation/drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- [18F]F-DOPA Imaging in Patients With Autonomic Failure (PHASE1)
- Intestinal Levodopa + Entacapone Therapy (Lecigon®) to Counteract Dopaminergic Desensitization and Neuropsychiatric Complications in Parkinson's Disease (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess Effect of Dosing Intervals on Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics of WD-1603 Taken Before Meals in Healthy Participants (PHASE1)
- Dopaminergic Dysfunction in Late-Life Depression (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio ,OPG and sEng as Predictive Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Treatment Evaluation of Preeclampsia
- Effect of Pilates Exercise Versus Circuit Exercise Training on Gestational Hypertension (NA)
- Neurobiological Drivers of Mobility Resilience: The Dopaminergic System - Supplemental Open-Label Arm (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Effects of 5HTP on the Injured Human Spinal Cord (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- alpha methyldopa CI brief — competitive landscape report
- alpha methyldopa updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Radboud University Medical Center portfolio CI