Skip to content

Drug interactions

Astragalus + Methotrexate

Severity: Minor

Astragalus and Methotrexate: minor interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Astragalus has reported immunostimulating properties that may theoretically oppose methotrexate's immunosuppressive effect. The clinical significance is unclear and data are limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Astragalus and Methotrexate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Theoretical pharmacodynamic opposition from astragalus immune stimulation; not established clinically.

What to do

Review use of herbal products with patients and monitor disease control if astragalus is continued. Consider stopping it if disease activity worsens.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
  • Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Astragalus and Methotrexate, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Astragalus with Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Astragalus and Methotrexate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Astragalus has reported immunostimulating properties that may theoretically oppose methotrexate's immunosuppressive effect. The clinical significance is unclear and data are limited.

How serious is the interaction between Astragalus and Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review use of herbal products with patients and monitor disease control if astragalus is continued. Consider stopping it if disease activity worsens.

What other medicines interact with Methotrexate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Methotrexate with, for example, Acitretin, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Methotrexate page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in