METHYL DOPA

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Colorless or almost colorless crystals or white to yellowish-white fine powder. Almost tasteless. In the sesquihydrate form. pH (saturated aqueous solution) about 5.0. (NTP, 1992)

none

Very hygroscopic. Slightly water soluble. May be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air and light. The stability of aqueous solutions is markedly dependent on pH, oxygen and the amount of initial reactant. Aqueous solutions are stable for up to 50 hours in acid and neutral pH (6.2). At pH 8.0, decomposition products are formed in 3 to 5 hours. Solutions develop a red tint that becomes progressively darker (eventually forming a black precipitate).

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include edema (fluid retention), fever, diarrhea, mental depression, hepatic toxicity, arthralgia (with or without joint swelling), leukopenia, breast enlargement, amenorrhea, pancreatitis, myocarditis and hemolytic anemia. Parkinsonism, hypertension and galactorrhea (lactation) may occur. Reversible keratitis may also occur. Other symptoms include sedation (usually transient), asthenia, congestive heart failure, weight gain, vomiting, sialadenitis, sore or "black" tongue, distention, flatus, hyperprolactinemia, bone marrow depression, rheumatoid factor, abnormal liver function tests, pericarditis, decreased mental acuity, symptoms of cerebrovascular insufficiency, psychic disturbances including nightmares and reversible mild psychoses, rise in BUN, toxic epidermal necrosis and decreased libido. Exposure can cause headache, weakness, aggravation of angina pectoris, prolonged carotid sinus hypersensitivity, postural hypotension, bradycardia, colitis, nausea, constipation, dryness of the mouth, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, positive tests for antinuclear antibody, LE cells, positive Coombs test, liver disorders including hepatitis and jaundice, lupus-like syndrome, Bell's palsy, involuntary choreoathetotic movements, dizziness, lightheadedness, paresthesias, myalgia, nasal stuffiness, skin rash and impotence. Exposure can also cause drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, disorders of sexual function, salivary gland inflammation, uremia, liver damage (including cirrhosis), darkened urine, eosinophilia, syncope, cholestasis, eczema, oral ulceration, hyperpyrexia, ocular disturbances, febrile reaction, joint pain, nodular skin lesions, retroperitoneal fibrosis and biliary carcinoma. There has been a case of reversible malabsorption with partial villous atrophy, inflammatory infiltrate of the mucosa and giant-cell granuloma. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, anxiety, blurred vision, hepatic necrosis and lichenoid and granulomatous skin reactions. It may also cause menstrual cycle changes or disorders and effects on the newborn including abnormal neonatal measures, growth statistics and biochemical and metabolic changes.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition this compound emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. (NTP, 1992)

METHYL DOPA undergoes catalytic oxygenation in the presence of magnesium, cupric, cobalt, nickel and ferric ions (NTP, 1992). A weakly acidic amino acid.

• Acids, Carboxylic
• Amines, Phosphines, and Pyridines
• Phenols and Cresols

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbent listed below.

• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents

No information available.

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should keep this material in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere, and store it at refrigerated temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. If symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop, immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

• ALANINE, 3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-2-METHYL-, L-
• ALDOMET
• ALDOMETIL
• ALDOMIN
• ALDOMINE
• ALPHA MEDOPA
• ALPHA-METHYL DOPA
• ALPHA-METHYL-BETA-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-L-ALANINE
• ALPHA-METHYL-L-3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE
• ALPHA-METHYL-L-DOPA
• ALPHA-METHYLDOPA
• (-)-ALPHA-METHYLDOPA
• ALPHAMETHYLDOPA
• AMD
• 2-AMINO-3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-2-METHYLPROPIONIC ACID
• BAYER 1440 L
• BAYER 1440L
• BAYPRESOL
• DOPAMET
• DOPATEC
• DOPEGYT
• 3-HYDROXY-ALPHA-METHYL-L-TYROSINE SESQUIHYDRATE
• 3-HYDROXY-ALPHA-METHYL-L-TYROSINE
• 3-HYDROXY-ALPHA-METHYLTYROSINE
• HYPERPAX
• L-(-)-3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-2-METHYLALANINE
• L-(-)-ALPHA-METHYL-BETA-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)ALANINE
• L-(-)-BETA-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-ALPHA-METHYLALANINE
• L-(ALPHA-MD)
• L-2-AMINO-2-AMINO-2-METHYL-3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)PROPIONIC ACID SESQUIHYDRATE
• L-3,4-DIHYDROXY-ALPHA-METHYLPHENYLALANINE
• L-3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL-2-METHYLALANINE
• L-3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-2-METHYLALANINE
• L-ALPHA-METHYL-3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE
• L-ALPHA-METHYLDOPA
• L-METHYLDOPA
• MEDOMET
• MEDOPA
• MEDOPREN
• METHOPLAIN
• METHYL DOPA
• 2-METHYL-3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)ALANINE
• METHYL-L-DOPA
• METHYLDOPA
• METHYLDOPA SESQUIHYDRATE
• (-)-METHYLDOPA
• MK 351
• MK. B51
• NCI-C55721
• NR.C 2294
• PRESINOL
• PRESOLISIN
• (S)-(-)-ALPHA-METHYLDOPA
• (S)-ALPHA-METHYLDOPA
• SEDOMETIL
• SEMBRINA