What are the clinical uses and mode of action of methyldopa?

Blood pressure. Methyldopa is a blood pressure lowering agent not commonly used until after other classes of drugs have been tried first for *most* patients, although it is clinically used as a second-line option for pregnant patients. This drug works on in the brain causing a decrease in chemicals that normally act on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. All together, this lowers blood pressure and heart rate.