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

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May 26, 2012

Methyldopate Hcl

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High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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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.