Drug interactions
Carbonyl iron + Methyldopa
Severity: Moderate
Carbonyl iron and Methyldopa: 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 reduce the absorption of oral methyldopa, lowering its blood levels. Blood pressure control may become less reliable when iron supplements are started, and may improve unexpectedly when they are stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbonyl iron and Methyldopa 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.
Carbonyl iron belongs to Miscellaneous; Methyldopa belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Iron probably forms a poorly absorbed complex with methyldopa in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption.
What to do
Separate the doses by at least 2 hours and monitor blood pressure when iron is started or stopped. Adjust the methyldopa dose if control changes.
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 Methyldopa
- Methyldopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Iobenguane i + Methyldopa Major
- Lofexidine + Methyldopa Major
- Methyldopa + Pexidartinib Major
- Methyldopa + Pretomanid Major
- Methyldopa + Thioridazine Major
Other interactions of Carbonyl iron
- Aluminum hydroxide + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Carbonyl iron Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbonyl iron with Methyldopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbonyl iron and Methyldopa 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 reduce the absorption of oral methyldopa, lowering its blood levels. Blood pressure control may become less reliable when iron supplements are started, and may improve unexpectedly when they are stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Carbonyl iron and Methyldopa?
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 the doses by at least 2 hours and monitor blood pressure when iron is started or stopped. Adjust the methyldopa dose if control changes.
What other medicines interact with Methyldopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methyldopa with, for example, Tranylcypromine, Iobenguane i, Lofexidine. The full list is on the Methyldopa page.
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