Electrophysiologic properties of methyldopa in man

There is little information on the effects of methyldopa on the human conduction system. His bundle ECGs were obtained in 11 patients before and after the intravenous infusion of 100 mg of methyldopa. Antegrade refractory periods were obtained with the extrastimulus method. The significant results were as follows: the sinus rate was 71 +/- 4 beats per minute before, and 65 +/- 3 beats per minute after methyldopa (P less than 0.01). The mean A-H interval at a paced rate of 120 beats per minute was 113 +/- 14 msec before, and 135 +/- 18 msec after, methyldopa (P less than 0.05). The mean atrioventricular nodal functional refractory period was 430 +/- 23 msec before and 452 +/- 24 msec after methyldopa administration (P less than 0.001). The mean effective refractory period was 385 +/- 29 msec before, and 388 +/- 27 msec after methyldopa (P less than 0.01). The sinus node recovery time in the control state was 989 +/- 55 msec and 1102 +/- 66 msec after methyldopa infusion (P less than 0.05). Thus, methyldopa can impair conduction through the atrioventricular node and depress the sinus node.