Aisle7 Demo Web

Drug

Methyldopa

Common brand names:

Aldomet

Methyldopa is a drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure).

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Negative Interactions
2
- Methyldopa
  Sodium
  Potential Negative Interaction
  Excess dietary sodium (salt) intake can cause fluid retention and interfere with the blood pressure lowering action of methyldopa. Reducing the use of table salt and heavily salted foods during methyldopa therapy reduces the likelihood of this interference.
  Sodium
  Methyldopa
  ×
  1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 171-2 .
- Methyldopa
  Iron
  Reduces Effectiveness
  Iron supplements have been found to decrease methyldopa absorption. Taking methyldopa two hours before or after iron-containing products can help avoid this interaction.
  Iron
  Methyldopa
  ×
  1. Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: A common cause of drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1991;31:251-5.
  2. Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control caused by ferrous sulfate and gluconate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1988;43:381-6.
Supportive Interactions
1
- Methyldopa
  Vitamin B12
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  Methyldopa can decrease vitamin B12 levels, thus increasing the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
  Vitamin B12
  Methyldopa
  ×
  1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 74.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.