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Drug interactions

Carboplatin + Methotrexate

Severity: Moderate

Carboplatin and Methotrexate: moderate 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

Both drugs can harm the kidneys, and carboplatin may also cause myelosuppression and ototoxicity. Impaired renal function reduces methotrexate elimination and can sharply increase systemic toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Carboplatin and Methotrexate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Carboplatin belongs to Oncology; Methotrexate belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive nephrotoxicity and myelosuppression, with reduced renal function secondarily delaying methotrexate clearance.

What to do

Monitor serum creatinine, electrolytes and blood counts before and during treatment. Hydrate adequately and reduce or hold methotrexate if renal function declines.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Carboplatin with Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carboplatin and Methotrexate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs can harm the kidneys, and carboplatin may also cause myelosuppression and ototoxicity. Impaired renal function reduces methotrexate elimination and can sharply increase systemic toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Carboplatin and Methotrexate?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum creatinine, electrolytes and blood counts before and during treatment. Hydrate adequately and reduce or hold methotrexate if renal function declines.

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

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