Methyldopate Hcl (Methyldopate Hydrochloride Injection, Solution) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Methyldopate Hcl

High Blood Pressure »

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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Methyldopate Hcl

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Methyldopate Hcl
(methyldopate hydrochloride) Injection, Solution

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Methyldopate HCl (methyldopate hydrochloride injection, solution) Injection, USP, is an antihypertensive agent for intravenous use. Sterile, nonpyrogenic.

Methyldopate hydrochloride [levo-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine, ethyl ester hydrochloride] is the ethyl ester of methyldopa, supplied as the hydrochloride salt with a molecular weight of 275.73. Methyldopate hydrochloride is more soluble and stable in solution than methyldopa and is the preferred form for intravenous use.

The molecular formula for Methyldopate hydrochloride is C₁₂H₁₇NO₄·HCl and the structural formula is:

Methyldopate Hcl (methyldopate hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Each mL contains:

Methyldopate Hydrochloride..................50 mg
Citric Acid (Anhydrous)..................5 mg
Edetate Disodium..................0.5 mg
Monothioglycerol..................2 mg
Water for Injection..................q.s. to 1 mL

Methylparaben 1.5 mg and Propylparaben 0.2 mg added as preservatives, Sodium Bisulfite 3.2 mg added as an antioxidant. pH adjusted with Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric Acid.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/11/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.