Methyldopa is a medication that is sometimes used to control hypertension; however, it is not a first-line treatment due to the various health risks associated with its use.
Supplementation Possibly Helpful
There is some evidence that methyldopa might impair the body's ability to manufacture the substance coenzyme Q
10
(CoQ
10
).
1
Taking CoQ
10
supplements might make sense as a general precaution, but no specific benefit has been established.
Take at a Different Time of Day
Iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of methyldopa, so make sure you do not take iron during the 2 hours before or after your methyldopa dose.
2,3
1.
Kishi H, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. III. Inhibition of coenzyme Q
10
-enzymes by clinically used anti-hypertensive drugs.
Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol
12(3): 533–540, 1975.
2.
Campbell NR and Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: A common cause of drug interactions.
Br J Clin Pharmacol
31: 251–255, 1991.
3.
Campbell N, Paddock V, and Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control caused by ferrous sulfate and gluconate.
Clin Pharmacol Ther
43: 381–386, 1988.
Last reviewed April 2009 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 HealthGate Data Corp. All rights reserved.
