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Drug interactions

Ferrous gluconate + Methyldopa

Severity: Moderate

Ferrous gluconate 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 gluconate 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 gluconate 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 gluconate belongs to Miscellaneous; Methyldopa belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

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?

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 Ferrous gluconate with Methyldopa?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous gluconate 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 gluconate 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 gluconate 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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