Description of the medicine: Methyldopa (Methyldopa)

METHYDOPA (Methyldopa) *. (-) 3- (3, 4-Dioxyphenyl) -2-methylalanine, or 3-hydroxy-a-methyl L-tyrosine.

Synonyms: Aldomet (The name of the drug is MERCK CO., INC., Rahway, NJ, USA), Dopegit, Aldomet, Aldomin, Alfamet, Dopamet, Dopatec, Hypotonal, Levomet, Medomet, Metildopa, Methyldopum, Modepres, Normopres, Presinol, Presolisin et al.

Methyldopa is an effective antihypertensive agent. When introduced into the body, it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is metabolized in the central nervous system, first turning into α-methyl dopamine, then into α-methylnadrenaline. The latter, like clonidine, stimulates central a 2-adrenoreceptors, inhibits sympathetic impulses, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Hypotension is accompanied by a slowdown in heart rate, a decrease in cardiac output and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.

Methildofu is used as an antihypertensive agent for various forms of hypertension, especially in stages IIA and IIB.

The drug is usually well tolerated. Orthostatic hypotension is rare. The drug does not have a direct effect on heart function and usually does not cause a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and a decrease in blood flow in the kidneys. In connection with the effect on adrenergic brain systems, the drug often has a sedative effect.

Take methyldofu (aldometh) inward in the form of tablets (0.25 g). Adults are usually appointed starting with 0.25 g 2 - 3 times a day. If necessary, increase the dose to 1 - 1, 5 - 2 g per day. The maximum daily intake for adults is 3 g.

Children, if necessary, are prescribed starting with 0.01 g (10 mg / kg) per day (in 2 to 4 doses), then the dose is selected individually depending on the effect. The maximum daily dose for children is 65 mg / kg.

Often, methyldofu is prescribed in combination with saluretics and other antihypertensive drugs, and the dose of methyldopa can be somewhat reduced. The combination with saluretics is especially indicated in cases of fluid retention in the body and the appearance of edema.

It should be borne in mind that after the termination of the use of methyldopa, the hypotensive effect is relatively quickly stopped, the increase in blood pressure usually occurs within 48 hours.

In a number of patients, 1 - 1, 5 months after the onset of drug administration, addiction develops and the hypotensive effect decreases; It is advisable in these cases to prescribe methyldofu in combination with other antihypertensive agents and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide). With combined therapy, the doses are somewhat reduced. When methyldopha (aldometa) is combined in a dose of 0.5 g with 0.05 g (50 mg) of hydrochlorothiazide, the preparations can be applied once a day.

When using methyldopa, headache, general weakness, dyspeptic phenomena (nausea, vomiting), reddening of the upper half of the trunk, an increase in body temperature may develop. In rare cases, it is possible to develop reversible leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Sometimes hemolytic anemia develops. Possible violations of the liver with the development of cholestasis, jaundice.