Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Droxidopa, IUPAC name (R)-3-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)amino]-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl acetate, is a prodrug of norepinephrine with molecular formula C15H19NO6 and molecular weight 309.34 g/mol. Structurally, it belongs to the class of sympathomimetic agents, featuring a catechol group and an acetate ester. Therapeutically, it treats neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and dopamine-responsive dystonia. It exhibits moderate water solubility (pKa ~7.5) and logP 1.2. Mechanistically, it is converted to norepinephrine via aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, acting on peripheral alpha-adrenergic receptors to enhance vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation.