Drug interactions
Carbidopa-levodopa + Polysaccharide iron
Severity: Moderate
Carbidopa-levodopa and Polysaccharide iron: 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 can bind levodopa in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may lessen the antiparkinsonian response and lead to wearing-off or worse motor control. The effect is documented with iron salts and is likely to apply to iron complexes as well, although polysaccharide iron is less ionic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbidopa-levodopa and Polysaccharide iron 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.
Why it happens
Chelation of levodopa by iron in the gastrointestinal tract reduces its absorption.
What to do
Separate doses of oral iron and levodopa by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor symptoms if iron is started.
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?
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Other interactions of Carbidopa-levodopa
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
- Asenapine + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbidopa-levodopa with Polysaccharide iron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbidopa-levodopa and Polysaccharide iron 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 can bind levodopa in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may lessen the antiparkinsonian response and lead to wearing-off or worse motor control. The effect is documented with iron salts and is likely to apply to iron complexes as well, although polysaccharide iron is less ionic.
How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa-levodopa and Polysaccharide iron?
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 doses of oral iron and levodopa by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor symptoms if iron is started.
What other medicines interact with Carbidopa-levodopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa-levodopa with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline transdermal. The full list is on the Carbidopa-levodopa page.
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