Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Methotrexate
Severity: Minor
Hydroxychloroquine 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
The combination is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis and is generally well tolerated. Hydroxychloroquine may modestly alter methotrexate clearance, but significant toxicity from the interaction is uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine 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.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Methotrexate belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Possible small effect on methotrexate renal clearance; mechanism is not established.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed. Continue routine monitoring of blood counts, liver enzymes and renal function.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Hydroxychloroquine 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.
Other interactions of Methotrexate
- Acitretin + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Methotrexate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Methotrexate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydroxychloroquine 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. The combination is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis and is generally well tolerated. Hydroxychloroquine may modestly alter methotrexate clearance, but significant toxicity from the interaction is uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine 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: No dose change is usually needed. Continue routine monitoring of blood counts, liver enzymes and renal function.
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.
