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Methyldopa and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There are 2 alcohol/food/lifestyle interactions with methyldopa.

Moderate

methyldopa Alcohol (Ethanol)

Moderate Drug Interaction

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

References

  1. Sternbach H "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol 11 (1991): 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med 101 (1984): 498-9
  3. Feder R "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry 52 (1991): 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry 51 (1990): 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit 23 (2001): 435-40
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des 10 (2004): 2463-75
  8. Andrews C, Pinner G "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ 316 (1998): 595
View all 8 references

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Moderate

methyldopa multivitamins with minerals

Moderate Drug Interaction

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The oral bioavailability and pharmacologic effects of methyldopa may be decreased during concurrent administration with iron-containing products. The proposed mechanism is chelation of methyldopa by the iron cation, forming an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In one study, five hypertensive patients receiving chronic methyldopa therapy (250 mg to 1500 mg daily) all had elevated blood pressure following the addition of ferrous sulfate 325 mg three times daily for 2 weeks. The systolic pressure had increased by more than 15 mmHg in three of the patients and the diastolic pressure increased by more than 10 mmHg in two. Blood pressure returned to baseline within 7 days of discontinuing the iron. In 12 normal subjects, administration of methyldopa 500 mg with ferrous sulfate 325 mg or ferrous gluconate 600 mg resulted in an 88% and 79% reduction, respectively, in the renal excretion of unmetabolized, free methyldopa compared to administration of methyldopa alone. In another study, administration of ferrous sulfate simultaneously with methyldopa reduced the bioavailability of methyldopa by 83%, while administration one hour or two hours before methyldopa reduced its bioavailability by 55% and 42%, respectively.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, patients receiving methyldopa in combination with iron-containing products should be advised to separate the times of administration by as much as possible. Patients should be monitored closely for altered hypertensive effect and methyldopa dosage increased as necessary. Selection of an alternative antihypertensive therapy may be necessary.

References

  1. Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R "Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control caused by ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate." Clin Pharmacol Ther 43 (1988): 381-6
  2. Campbell NR, Campbell RR, Hasinoff BB "Ferrous sulfate reduces methyldopa absorption: methyldopa: iron complex formation as a likely mechanism." Clin Invest Med 6 (1990): 329-32
  3. Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB "Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 31 (1991): 251-5

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Methyldopa drug interactions

There are 302 drug interactions with methyldopa.

Methyldopa disease interactions

There are 8 disease interactions with methyldopa which include:


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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.