Drug interactions
Ferrous fumarate + Methyldopa
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous fumarate 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 ferrous fumarate can lower the absorption of oral methyldopa and reduce its antihypertensive effect. Blood pressure may rise after iron is started.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous fumarate 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.
Ferrous fumarate belongs to Miscellaneous; Methyldopa belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Iron probably chelates methyldopa in the gut, forming a poorly absorbed complex.
What to do
Separate doses by at least 2 hours and monitor blood pressure when iron is started or stopped. Adjust the methyldopa dose as 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 Methyldopa
- Methyldopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Iobenguane i + Methyldopa Major
- Lofexidine + Methyldopa Major
- Methyldopa + Pexidartinib Major
- Methyldopa + Pretomanid Major
- Methyldopa + Thioridazine Major
Other interactions of Ferrous fumarate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous fumarate with Methyldopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous fumarate 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 ferrous fumarate can lower the absorption of oral methyldopa and reduce its antihypertensive effect. Blood pressure may rise after iron is started.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous fumarate 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 doses by at least 2 hours and monitor blood pressure when iron is started or stopped. Adjust the methyldopa dose as needed.
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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