Talk:Methyldopa

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Methyldopa, in its active metabolite form, leads to increased alfa-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of SNS (centrally and peripherally), allowing PSNS tone to increase. Such activity leads to a decrease in Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) and Cardiac Output (C.O.).

All drugs in this class can cause rebound hypertension due to an up-regulation of alfa-2 receptors while under the influence of the drug. If the drug is abruptly withdrawan, the "original" as well as "new" receptors become available and cause a severe reaction to the "normal" SNS activity (which is usually in excess). In other words, the SNS typically releases more NE than is needed to activate receptors (leading to a sustained response), and extra receptors leads to an over-response (in this case mediated by alfa-2 receptors leading to vascular smooth muscle CONSTRICTION = rebound hypertension). (That's bad.)

[edit] External Links

http://merck-information.com/html/aldomet.html is a legitimate link to one of the manufactures websites, not vandalism or link spam. AA Milne 21:06, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

As directly stated on merck-information.com:

Please note that http://www.merck-information.com is in no way affiliated with Merck® & Co., inc. or any of its affiliates.

Meaning it is not a legitimate link to one of the manufacturer's websites. Sorry to insist, but spamming (especially sneaky spamming by anons) bugs me. Fvasconcellos 21:17, 18 October 2006 (UTC)