Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.

About Methyldopa

What it is

Methyldopa is a centrally acting blood pressure medicine: the brain turns it into alpha-methylnoradrenaline, which activates alpha-2 receptors and reduces the outflow of adrenaline-like signals. Because it has a long safety record in pregnancy, it is mainly used today for high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is sold as Aldomet, among other names.

How genes come into it

Methyldopa is cleared by the kidneys and by sulphate conjugation in the gut and liver. The few gene studies on it, in pregnant women with high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, looked at MMP9, ADIPOQ and ARG2 for blood pressure response. The findings come from a few studies, and there is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.

What research found

Every published finding on gene variants and Methyldopa. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.

Response (4 findings)

Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.

ADIPOQ rs2241766: Genotype GT is associated with increased response to hydralazine, Methyldopa or nifedipine in women with Pre-Eclampsia and Pregnancy.

ARG2 rs3742879: Allele G is associated with increased response to Methyldopa in women with Pregnancy and Pre-Eclampsia as compared to allele A.

MMP9 rs3918242: Genotype CT is associated with decreased response to Antihypertensives, hydralazine, Methyldopa or nifedipine in people with Gestational hypertension as compared to genotype CC.

MMP9 rs3918242: Genotypes CT + TT are associated with decreased response to Methyldopa in people with Gestational hypertension as compared to genotype CC.

Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.

Related Drugs

More drugs from the same category

Accupril (ACE Inhibitors)

ACE Inhibitors (class) (ACE Inhibitors)

Acenocoumarol (Anticoagulants)

Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.

Back to Medications

Content updated September 2026.

ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.

Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026

Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com