Drug interactions
Ferrous sulfate + Methyldopa
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous sulfate 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
Ferrous sulfate taken by mouth substantially reduces methyldopa absorption in pharmacokinetic studies. This can weaken blood pressure control until the timing is adjusted.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous sulfate 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 sulfate belongs to Miscellaneous; Methyldopa belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Iron chelates methyldopa in the gastrointestinal tract, 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 sulfate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous sulfate with Methyldopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous sulfate 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 sulfate taken by mouth substantially reduces methyldopa absorption in pharmacokinetic studies. This can weaken blood pressure control until the timing is adjusted.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous sulfate 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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