METHYLDOPA Meaning and
Definition
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Methyldopa is a pharmaceutical drug that falls under the category of antihypertensive medications. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy, as it has been found to be safe for both the mother and the developing fetus. Methyldopa is specifically classified as a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist, which means it works by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to reduce nerve signals that lead to blood vessels constricting. By doing so, methyldopa relaxes and widens the blood vessels, allowing for easier blood flow and ultimately lowering blood pressure.
With regards to its mechanism of action, when methyldopa is ingested, it is converted into an active compound called methylnoradrenaline. This compound then stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in the brain, leading to a decrease in the adrenergic outflow to the peripheral blood vessels. As a result, there is less norepinephrine released, causing blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease.
Methyldopa is usually administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. The dosage may vary depending on the patient's condition and response to the medication, being adjusted by a healthcare professional accordingly. It is important to carefully follow the prescribed dosage and continue taking the medication as instructed by the healthcare provider, even if the symptoms improve.
Some common side effects associated with methyldopa include drowsiness, dizziness, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and headaches. While these effects are generally mild and temporary, it is advised to inform the prescribing physician if they persist or worsen. Additionally, methyldopa may rarely cause certain serious side effects such as liver problems, blood disorders, or
Common Misspellings for METHYLDOPA
- nethyldopa
- kethyldopa
- jethyldopa
- mwthyldopa
- msthyldopa
- mdthyldopa
- mrthyldopa
- m4thyldopa
- m3thyldopa
- merhyldopa
- mefhyldopa
- meghyldopa
- meyhyldopa
- me6hyldopa
- me5hyldopa
- metgyldopa
- metbyldopa
- metnyldopa
- metjyldopa
Etymology of METHYLDOPA
The word "methyldopa" consists of two parts: "methyl" and "dopa".
1. Methyl: The term "methyl" refers to a chemical group consisting of three hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, denoted as CH3-. This prefix is derived from the Greek word "methy", meaning "wine".
2. Dopa: The term "dopa" is short for "dihydroxyphenylalanine", which is an amino acid and is a precursor for various neurotransmitters in the brain. The word "Dopa" is coined from its chemical structure.
Combining these two parts, "methyldopa" describes a chemical compound that is derived from dopamine (Dopa), where a methyl group has been added. Methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication used to treat high blood pressure.
Similar spelling words for METHYLDOPA
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