Skip to main content

Can you take Flavalta with Methyldopa?

2 drug interactions and 32 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

lidocaine methyldopa

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine) and methyldopa

Using lidocaine together with methyldopa may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

methyldopa EPINEPHrine

Applies to: methyldopa and Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

Using EPINEPHrine together with methyldopa may cause an increase in blood pressure.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often to safely use both medications.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

lidocaine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of lidocaine, which may increase the risk of side effects such as:

  • low blood pressure
  • slow heart rate
  • irregular heart rhythm
  • difficulty breathing
  • convulsions

Cigarette smoking may reduce the blood levels of lidocaine, which may make the medication less effective. It is best to avoid smoking during lidocaine therapy.

Consuming cruciferous vegetables (e.G., broccoli, brussels sprouts) may also reduce the blood levels of lidocaine.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

methyldopa Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: methyldopa

Ethanol and methyldopa may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure.

You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate, especially when treatment is started, the dose is changed, or treatment is restarted.

Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur and seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness.

Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

methyldopa multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: methyldopa

Methyldopa and multivitamins with minerals should not be taken orally at the same time.

Products that contain iron may interfere with the absorption of methyldopa and reduce its effectiveness.

You should separate the dosing of these medications by as much as possible.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

EPINEPHrine Caffeine

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

Both EPINEPHrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects.

Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

lidocaine Nicotine

Applies to: Flavalta (epinephrine / lidocaine)

As you stop smoking during treatment with nicotine, your dosage requirement of lidocaine may need to be changed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 24 conditions, including Heart Failure, Seizures, Hypokalemia, Hypotension, and Anemia.

Acidosis

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Acidosis.

Acidosis, hypoxia, and hypercapnia may reduce the effectiveness of sympathomimetic amines in raising blood pressure. These conditions should be corrected before initiating therapy with sympathomimetic amines, if possible. Monitoring the patients acid-base balance, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen saturation is recommended.

Anemia

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Anemia.

Hemolytic anemia has occurred rarely during therapy with methyldopa and may be associated with a (+) direct Coombs. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously to patients with anemia or a predisposition to hemolytic syndromes. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function, including a baseline hematological profile, is recommended. If Coombs- positive hemolytic anemia occurs, the cause may be methyldopa and the drug should be discontinued

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

Hemolytic anemia has occurred rarely during therapy with methyldopa and may be associated with a (+) direct Coombs. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously to patients with anemia or a predisposition to hemolytic syndromes. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function, including a baseline hematological profile, is recommended. If Coombs- positive hemolytic anemia occurs, the cause may be methyldopa and the drug should be discontinued

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Dehydration

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of sympathomimetic amines has been infrequently associated with significant hypotension especially in dehydrated patients secondary to the drug's beta-2 mediated vasodilation. Hypovolemia should be corrected, if possible, before administering sympathomimetic amines. Blood pressure and ECG should be monitored at regular intervals. Monitoring of cardiac output and pulmonary wedge pressure may also be desired.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Fluid Retention

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Methyldopa may cause edema or weight gain associated with sodium retention. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously in patients adversely affected by sodium and water retention.

Heart Block

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of lidocaine is contraindicated in patients with Stokes-Adam syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome, or second- or third-degree AV block in the absence of a functional artificial pacemaker, or congenital QT prolongation.

Heart Failure

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Methyldopa may cause edema or weight gain associated with sodium retention. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously in patients adversely affected by sodium and water retention.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Methyldopa is removed by dialysis. Patients receiving methyldopa and undergoing dialysis may occasionally become hypertensive.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Rarely, involuntary choreoathetotic movements have been observed during therapy with methyldopa in patients with severe bilateral cerebrovascular disease. If these movements occur, therapy should be stopped.

Hyperkalemia

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Hypotension

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Liver Disease

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Lidocaine is rapidly and extensively metabolized by the liver. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Several inactive and two active forms (MEGX and GX) have been identified. MEGX and GX exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. GX accumulates during prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion. The pharmacokinetic disposition of lidocaine is altered by changes in hepatic function, including hepatic blood flow. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously and dosing modifications for repeated or loading and maintenance doses may be necessary. Clinical monitoring of cardiac (continuous ECG) is required and serum metabolite concentrations and monitoring hepatic function are recommended.

Major:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of methyldopa is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, such as active hepatitis or active cirrhosis, and in patients with previous methyldopa- associated liver disorders. Hepatotoxicity is an uncommon but toxic effect of methyldopa. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to liver disease.

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Neurological Disorders

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Neurological Disorders.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with Parkinson's disease as these patients may experience psychomotor agitation or notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Neutropenia

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

Rare reports of reversible reduction in white blood cell count, primarily neutrophils, have been noted. White blood cell counts returned to normal with discontinuation of methyldopa. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of or predisposition to decreased white blood cell or neutrophil counts. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Parkinsonism

Moderate:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Epinephrine should be administered with caution to patients with Parkinson's disease as these patients may experience psychomotor agitation or notice a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Flavalta

The EPINEPHrine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a moderate potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Methyldopa causes fluorescence in urine samples at the same wave lengths as catecholamines, falsely high levels of urinary catecholamines may be reported. This will interfere with the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. It is important to recognize this phenomenon before a patient with a possible pheochromocytoma is subjected to surgery. Methyldopa is not recommended for the treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma.

Psychosis

Minor:

methyldopa

Methyldopa has a minor potential interaction with Psychosis.

Rare symptoms of psychoses, such as hallucinations and delirium, and vivid dreams and nightmares have been reported during methyldopa therapy. Therapy with methyldopa should be administered cautiously to patients with a history of or predisposition to these conditions.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lidocaine is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Two active metabolites (MEGX and GX) have been identified that exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. GX accumulates during prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion. Serum concentrations of lidocaine and the active metabolites are increased and the half-life prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for repeated or maintenance doses in patients with compromised renal function. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function (continual ECG) is required and serum metabolite concentrations and monitoring renal function are recommended.

Seizures

Major:

Flavalta

The lidocaine in Flavalta has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Seizures have occurred during lidocaine therapy and have been associated with the rapid administration of a large intravenous doses or accumulation of active metabolites with maintenance therapy. Therapy with lidocaine should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to seizure disorders. Clinical monitoring of cardiac (continuous ECG) is required, and serum metabolite concentrations are recommended.

More resources

Flavalta

A total of 726 drugs are known to interact with Flavalta.

methyldopa

A total of 353 drugs are known to interact with methyldopa.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.