Effects of methyldopa on prolactin and growth hormone. Issue 6019 (15th May 1976)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steiner, J; Cassar, J; Mashiter, K; Dawes, I; Fraser, T R; Breckenridge, A
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 1:Issue 6019(1976)
• Page Start: 1186
• Page End: 1188
• Publication Date: 1976-05-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.6019.1186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The effects of administration of methyldopa on serum prolactin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations in hypertensive patients were studied. Single doses of methyldopa (750 or 1000 mg) significantly increased serum prolactin levels, peak concentrations occurring four to six hours after drug administrations. Long-term methyldopa treatment was associated with threefold to fourfold increases in basal prolactin levels compared with those in normal subjects. In patients treated with methyldopa for two to three weeks the GH response to insulin hypoglycaemia was significantly greater than in normal subjects and untreated hypertensive patients. In contrast, patients treated for prolonged periods (mean 13-4 months) had a GH reponse indistinguishable from normal.