Drug interactions
Ferrous fumarate + Levodopa
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous fumarate and Levodopa: 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
Iron chelates levodopa in the gut and lowers its absorption. This may reduce levodopa effect and worsen parkinsonian symptoms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous fumarate and Levodopa 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.
Ferrous fumarate belongs to Miscellaneous; Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Chelation of levodopa by iron in the gastrointestinal tract decreases absorption.
What to do
Separate doses by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor response and adjust levodopa if needed.
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 Ferrous fumarate
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous fumarate with Levodopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous fumarate and Levodopa 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. Iron chelates levodopa in the gut and lowers its absorption. This may reduce levodopa effect and worsen parkinsonian symptoms.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous fumarate and Levodopa?
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 by at least 2 hours. Monitor motor response and adjust levodopa if needed.
What other medicines interact with Ferrous fumarate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ferrous fumarate with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Acetohydroxamic acid, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Ferrous fumarate page.
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