Effects of methyldopa: A Synthesis of Findings from 25 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Methyldopa is a medication used to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease. Several studies have investigated the effects of methyldopa, highlighting its potential benefits and risks. In preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, methyldopa has shown similar effectiveness to other medications like isradipine in reducing blood pressure. 14 Furthermore, methyldopa does not seem to negatively affect fetal or placental blood flow, making it a potentially safe option for pregnant women with preeclampsia. 8 However, it's important to note that methyldopa can potentially reduce fetal heart rate, requiring careful monitoring during use. 10

In the context of Parkinson's disease, methyldopa has been shown to protect dopamine neurons, a crucial aspect of managing the disease. 15 However, research indicates that methyldopa's protective effects are less potent than those of levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease. 4 Since methyldopa is a metabolite of levodopa, it can potentially interfere with levodopa's therapeutic benefits and even worsen side effects associated with long-term levodopa treatment. 9 Therefore, methyldopa might be considered an alternative treatment option for Parkinson's disease, but its use should be carefully considered, especially in conjunction with levodopa therapy.

Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of methyldopa in lowering blood pressure. 16 It has been observed that the blood pressure-lowering effect of methyldopa is less pronounced compared to alpha-methyldopa. 16 Moreover, methyldopa's blood pressure-lowering effects seem relatively milder when compared to other antihypertensive medications. This milder effect makes methyldopa a potentially safe option for pregnant women with high blood pressure. 3

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Methyldopa is a medication used to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease. It can help manage symptoms by reducing blood pressure and protecting dopamine neurons. Methyldopa is considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Risk Summary

Methyldopa can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Methyldopa is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Additionally, methyldopa is metabolized by the liver, making it unsuitable for individuals with liver disease.

Study Comparisons

Study Similarities

Numerous studies have investigated methyldopa's use in treating conditions like preeclampsia and Parkinson's disease. These studies consistently show methyldopa's effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and protecting dopamine neurons.

Study Differences

The effectiveness of methyldopa varies depending on the specific disease being treated and the treatment plan. Furthermore, methyldopa's side effects can vary from person to person. It is crucial to consult a doctor and follow their instructions when using methyldopa.

Consistency and Contradictions in Findings

While there is consistency in some findings regarding methyldopa's effects, contradictions exist in others. For instance, research on the safety of methyldopa for pregnant women shows inconsistent results. Additionally, the effectiveness of methyldopa in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms remains a subject of debate. These contradictions likely stem from the complex mechanism of action of methyldopa, leading to varying responses among individuals. Ongoing research is expected to clarify these aspects of methyldopa's effects in the future.

Practical Applications and Considerations

Methyldopa is a medication used to treat conditions like preeclampsia and Parkinson's disease. It is crucial to consult a doctor and follow their instructions when using methyldopa. Because of potential side effects, it is necessary to discuss the use of methyldopa with a doctor before starting treatment. Methyldopa is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Individuals with liver disease should also avoid using this medication.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on methyldopa is ongoing and still lacks a complete understanding of its long-term effects and safety. There are also aspects of its action on different diseases that need further exploration. Future research is expected to provide more definitive information about the safety and effectiveness of methyldopa.

Future Research Directions

Future research on methyldopa should focus on investigating its long-term effects and safety, exploring its mechanisms of action across various diseases, and delving deeper into its complex mechanism of action.

Conclusion

Methyldopa is a medication used to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease. It can help manage symptoms by reducing blood pressure and protecting dopamine neurons. Methyldopa is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that methyldopa can cause side effects, and it is crucial to consult with a doctor before starting treatment. Ongoing research continues to shed light on the effects of methyldopa, promising a deeper understanding of its therapeutic benefits and risks in the future.

Literature analysis of 25 papers
Positive Content
20
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
4
Article Type
3
0
0
0
25
1.

Combined Effects of Methyldopa and Flavonoids on the Expression of Selected Factors Related to Inflammatory Processes and Vascular Diseases in Human Placenta Cells-An In Vitro Study.

Author: BogaczAnna, MikołajczakPrzemysław Ł, WolekMarlena, GórskaAleksandra, SzulcMichał, OżarowskiMarcin, KujawskiRadosław, CzernyBogusław, WolskiHubert, KarpińskiTomasz M, Seremak-MrozikiewiczAgnieszka

Down-regulate inflammatory factors
Down-regulate vascular factors

This study investigated the combined effects of flavonoids and methyldopa on the expression of proinflammatory and vascular factors in human cells. The findings suggest that these compounds may be beneficial for the treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

2.

The comparison of side effects of methyldopa, amlodipine, and metoprolol in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.

Author: GhafarzadehMasoumeh, ShakaramiAmir, YariFatemeh, NamdariParsa

Hypertension treatment in pregnancy
Intrauterine growth restriction
Low birth weight
Preeclampsia
Preterm labor

A retrospective cohort study of 300 pregnant women with chronic hypertension found that methyldopa and amlodipine were associated with the least side effects. However, methyldopa was associated with a higher incidence of preeclampsia than metoprolol.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

4.

3-O-Methyldopa inhibits astrocyte-mediated dopaminergic neuroprotective effects of L-DOPA.

Author: AsanumaMasato, MiyazakiIkuko

Neuroprotective effect

3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD) is a metabolite of L-DOPA formed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). This study evaluated the effects of 3-OMD on the uptake, metabolism, and neuroprotective effects of L-DOPA in striatal astrocytes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Do labetalol and methyldopa have different effects on pregnancy outcome? Analysis of data from the Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) trial.

Author: MageeL A, , von DadelszenP, SingerJ, LeeT, ReyE, RossS, AsztalosE, MurphyK E, MenziesJ, SanchezJ, GafniA, GruslinA, HelewaM, HuttonE, KorenG, LeeS K, LoganA G, GanzevoortJ W, WelchR, ThorntonJ G, MoutquinJ-M

Improved pregnancy outcomes

Women treated with methyldopa (versus labetalol), particularly those with pre-existing hypertension, may have had better outcomes.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Relationship between 3-O-methyldopa and the clinical effects of entacapone in advanced Parkinson's disease.

Author: IshiharaAiko, MiyachiTakafumi, NakamuraTakeshi, OhtsukiToshiho, KimuraYasuhiro, KihiraKenji, YamawakiTakemori, MatsumotoMasayasu

Parkinson's treatment

The measurement of 3-OMD and levodopa pharmacokinetics can predict the clinical effects of entacapone, a drug for Parkinson's disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Effects of methyldopa and nifedipine on uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics in gestational hypertension.

Author: FolicMarko M, JankovicSlobodan M, VarjacicMirjana R, FolicMiroslav D

Blood pressure normalization
Pulse normalization

Nifedipine, but not methyldopa, improved uterine artery blood velocity waveform indices in pregnant women with mild gestational hypertension. Both drugs effectively normalized maternal blood pressure and pulse.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

The role of 3-O-methyldopa in the side effects of L-dopa.

Author: LeeEun-Sook Y, ChenHongtao, KingJennifer, CharltonClivel

Dyskinesia
L-dopa toxicity
On-off symptoms
Wearing-off symptoms

Long-term treatment with L-dopa, a medication for Parkinson's disease (PD), can lead to adverse effects, including dyskinesia, on-off, and wearing-off symptoms. This study found that 3-O-methyldopa (3-OMD), a metabolite of L-dopa, contributed to these side effects by impairing locomotor activity, reducing dopamine levels, and inducing cytotoxicity in neurons.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

10.

The effects of alpha-methyldopa on myometrial noradrenaline release and myometrial contractility in rat.

Author: CsonkaDénes, ZupkóIstván, MinoricsRenáta, MárkiArpád, CsíkGábor, FalkayGeorge

Hypertension treatment

This study investigated the direct effects of alpha-methyldopa on the myometrial adrenergic functions in rats.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Pharmacodynamic modelling of levodopa, 3-O-methyldopa and their effects: an application of the Dixon equation.

Author: WuG, FurlanutM

This study compared the use of the modified Dixon equation and the sigmoid equation to describe the relationship between levodopa, 3-O-methyldopa concentrations, and tapping test in Parkinson's disease patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Preeclampsia: haemostatic status and the short-term effects of methyldopa and isradipine therapy.

Author: YinK H, KohS C, MalcusP, SvenMontanS, BiswasA, ArulkumaranS, RatnamS S

Lowered blood pressure
No effect on haemostatic parameters

Preeclampsia was associated with increased fibrinogen levels and decreased antithrombin III levels, indicating an imbalance in coagulation/fibrinolysis. Neither methyldopa nor isradipine significantly altered these haemostatic parameters, even though both drugs effectively lowered blood pressure.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Randomised controlled trial of methyldopa and isradipine in preeclampsia--effects on uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics.

Author: MontanS, AnandakumarC, ArulkumaranS, IngemarssonI, RatnamS

Preeclampsia treatment
Reduced blood pressure
Safe for fetus
Reduced maternal heart rate

This study found that methyldopa and isradipine were similarly effective in lowering blood pressure in women with preeclampsia. Both drugs had minimal effects on fetal and uteroplacental hemodynamics.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

3-O-methyldopa attenuates the effects of Madopar on the haloperidol-induced cataleptic behavior and the locomotor activity in the mouse.

Author: HimoriN, TanakaY, KurasawaM, MishimaK, AkaikeN

Catalepsy
Locomotor hyperactivity

This study found that 3-O-methyldopa inhibited the effects of Madopar (levodopa plus benserazide) on catalepsy and locomotor activity in mice.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

Effects of the antihypertensive drugs alpha-methyldopa and hydralazine on the performance of spontaneously hypertensive rats in the elevated plus-maze.

Author: RosaW C, OliveiraG M, Nakamura-PalaciosE M

Alpha-methyldopa is an antihypertensive drug that acts centrally. This study found that alpha-methyldopa reduced blood pressure and increased heart rate in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Alpha-methyldopa also caused behavioral changes in these rats, suggesting that hypertension may be related to central nervous dysfunctions.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Effects of methyldopa on uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Author: MontanS, AnandakumarC, ArulkumaranS, IngemarssonI, RatnamS S

Blood pressure decrease
Fetal safety
Heart rate decrease

Methyldopa treatment in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension reduced maternal blood pressure and heart rate with no adverse effects on uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Differential role of brain ascending noradrenergic bundles in the circulatory effects of alpha-methyldopa and clonidine.

Author: Van den BuuseM, HeadG A, KornerP I

Blood pressure control
Heart rate control

Lesions of both the dorsal and ventral noradrenergic bundles abolished the bradycardia effect of alpha-methyldopa, suggesting a role for these projections in mediating this effect.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

Effects of methyldopa on umbilical and placental artery blood flow velocity waveforms.

Author: ReyE

Decreased resistance

Methyldopa decreased placental vascular resistance in mild preeclamptic and chronic hypertensive women.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Contribution of forebrain noradrenaline innervation to the central circulatory effects of alpha-methyldopa and 6-hydroxydopamine.

Author: van den BuuseM, HeadG A, KornerP I

Chronic lesions of the ascending noradrenergic projections to the forebrain abolished the bradycardia produced by intracisternal alpha-methyldopa and 6-hydroxydopamine in rabbits with intact baroreceptors, suggesting that these pathways are important for the cardiac responses dependent on baroreceptor input.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Effects of methyldopa on psychometric performance.

Author: JohnsonB, HochK, ErrichettiA, JohnsonJ

Blood pressure reduction
Impaired psychometric performance

Methyldopa, an antihypertensive medication, was found to impair cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. In a double-blind, crossover study of 16 patients, methyldopa significantly reduced blood pressure but also impaired card-sorting time and digital symbol substitution score. Practice effects were greater than those of treatment for all tests except card sorting.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

25.

alpha-Methyldopa metabolism in central serotonergic nerve terminals: effects on serotonin levels, synthesis and release.

Author: WolfW A, BobikA

Hypotensive action

Methyldopa administration reduced serotonin synthesis and storage in rat synaptosomes. It also decreased tryptophan levels but did not affect serotonin release. These findings suggest that serotonin neurons may play a role in the hypotensive action of methyldopa.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

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