Methyldopa

Trade Names

Aldomet

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.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
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.

Iron
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

References[ + ]

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 July 2012 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
Last Updated: 7/25/2012