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Drug interactions

Methotrexate + Minocycline

Severity: Moderate

Methotrexate and Minocycline: 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

Tetracyclines have been reported to raise methotrexate exposure, mainly in patients on high-dose regimens. Higher methotrexate levels can cause myelosuppression, mucositis and kidney injury.

What this interaction means in plain words

Methotrexate and Minocycline 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.

Methotrexate belongs to Oncology; Minocycline belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Possible reduced renal elimination of methotrexate; the mechanism is not firmly established.

What to do

Avoid the combination with high-dose methotrexate where possible. If it is needed, monitor methotrexate plasma concentrations, renal function and blood counts.

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 Methotrexate with Minocycline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methotrexate and Minocycline 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. Tetracyclines have been reported to raise methotrexate exposure, mainly in patients on high-dose regimens. Higher methotrexate levels can cause myelosuppression, mucositis and kidney injury.

How serious is the interaction between Methotrexate and Minocycline?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination with high-dose methotrexate where possible. If it is needed, monitor methotrexate plasma concentrations, renal function and blood counts.

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.

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