Drug interactions
Methotrexate + Piroxicam
Severity: Major
Methotrexate and Piroxicam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
NSAIDs can raise and prolong methotrexate levels, especially with high doses or reduced kidney function, causing serious hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methotrexate and Piroxicam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Methotrexate belongs to Oncology; Piroxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Reduced renal tubular secretion of methotrexate and NSAID-induced reduction in renal perfusion.
What to do
Avoid with high-dose methotrexate. With low-dose therapy, monitor renal function and blood counts and stop the NSAID if toxicity occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Piroxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Piroxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Piroxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Piroxicam Major
- Alteplase + Piroxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methotrexate with Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methotrexate and Piroxicam can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. NSAIDs can raise and prolong methotrexate levels, especially with high doses or reduced kidney function, causing serious hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Methotrexate and Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid with high-dose methotrexate. With low-dose therapy, monitor renal function and blood counts and stop the NSAID if toxicity occurs.
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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