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Drug interactions

Methotrexate + Zidovudine

Severity: Moderate

Methotrexate and Zidovudine: 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 suppress the bone marrow, so combined use may increase the risk of anemia, neutropenia and infection.

What this interaction means in plain words

Methotrexate and Zidovudine 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; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive myelosuppression.

What to do

Monitor complete blood counts frequently. Reduce doses, interrupt treatment or use an alternative antiretroviral if significant cytopenias occur.

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 Zidovudine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methotrexate and Zidovudine 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 suppress the bone marrow, so combined use may increase the risk of anemia, neutropenia and infection.

How serious is the interaction between Methotrexate and Zidovudine?

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 complete blood counts frequently. Reduce doses, interrupt treatment or use an alternative antiretroviral if significant cytopenias occur.

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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