Which drugs can interact with protein/amino acids?

Levodopa and Methyldopa can interact with protein/amino acids in significant ways, making this combination the correct answer. Levodopa, primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease, requires the presence of certain amino acids for effective absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. When a high-protein meal is consumed, the amino acids from the proteins can compete with levodopa for transport across the gut barrier, potentially reducing its availability and efficacy.

Methyldopa, used in the management of hypertension, can also interact with dietary protein due to its amino acid structure and the metabolism of specific amino acids. The presence of protein can influence the pharmacokinetics of methyldopa, although the clinical significance may not be as pronounced as with levodopa.

In gerontological nutrition, understanding how medications interact with dietary components like protein is vital, especially for older adults who may have altered digestion and absorption profiles. Thus, the interaction between these drugs and protein/amino acids is critical for effective management and therapy in this population.