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Drug interactions

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Ferric maltol

Severity: Moderate

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa and Ferric maltol: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Oral iron binds levodopa and entacapone in the gut, forming chelates that reduce absorption. This can lessen levodopa effect and lead to worsening of Parkinson symptoms. Entacapone also chelates iron, which may reduce iron uptake.

What this interaction means in plain words

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa and Ferric maltol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Ferric maltol belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Chelation of levodopa and entacapone by ferric iron in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption.

What to do

Separate oral ferric maltol from the levodopa combination by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor symptoms and iron indices.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa with Ferric maltol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa and Ferric maltol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral iron binds levodopa and entacapone in the gut, forming chelates that reduce absorption. This can lessen levodopa effect and lead to worsening of Parkinson symptoms. Entacapone also chelates iron, which may reduce iron uptake.

How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa and Ferric maltol?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate oral ferric maltol from the levodopa combination by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor symptoms and iron indices.

What other medicines interact with Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline transdermal. The full list is on the Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa page.

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