What is another name for methyldopa (alpha-methyldopa)?

Alternative Name for Methyldopa

Methyldopa is also known as alpha-methyldopa. 1

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Nomenclature

• The drug is specifically the L-isomer of alpha-methyldopa, with the chemical name levo-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine sesquihydrate 1

• The molecular formula is C10H13NO4•1½ H2O, with a molecular weight of 238.24 1

• In clinical practice and medical literature, the terms "methyldopa" and "alpha-methyldopa" are used interchangeably to refer to the same antihypertensive medication 2, 1

Common Brand Names

• Methyldopa is marketed under the brand name Aldomet in many countries 3, 4

• The drug has been referred to as "Aldomet" in clinical trials and medical literature since its introduction over 25 years ago 5, 4

Clinical Context

• Both nomenclatures (methyldopa and alpha-methyldopa) appear throughout international guidelines, with European and American medical societies using both terms to describe the same medication when discussing hypertension management in pregnancy 6, 7, 2, 8

• The "alpha-methyl" prefix refers to the drug's chemical structure, where a methyl group is attached to the alpha carbon position of the amino acid dopa 9, 5