Oral Methyldopa/Oral Iron Interactions
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
Taking methyldopa at the same time as iron containing products may decrease your body's ability to absorb methyldopa.
What might happen:
You may experience decreased blood pressure control. Although there may be no signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, seriously high cases may cause severe headaches, fatigue, vision problems, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
What you should do about this interaction:
Let your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together. Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure more frequently or may want to change your therapy. If iron supplementation is required, it is best to take methyldopa two hours before taking iron-containing products.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your healthcare professionals first.
- 1.Methyldopa US prescribing information. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. October, 2012.
- 2.Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control caused by ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1988 Apr;43(4):381-6.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.