Skip to content

Drug interactions

Paclitaxel + Trimethoprim

Severity: Moderate

Paclitaxel and Trimethoprim: 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

Trimethoprim inhibits CYP2C8 weakly to moderately and may raise paclitaxel exposure. Added bone marrow suppression from trimethoprim may also add to hematologic toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Paclitaxel and Trimethoprim 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.

Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology; Trimethoprim belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP2C8-mediated paclitaxel metabolism.

What to do

Monitor blood counts and neuropathy during co-use. Consider an alternative antibiotic if toxicity develops.

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.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Paclitaxel and Trimethoprim, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Paclitaxel with Trimethoprim?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paclitaxel and Trimethoprim 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. Trimethoprim inhibits CYP2C8 weakly to moderately and may raise paclitaxel exposure. Added bone marrow suppression from trimethoprim may also add to hematologic toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Paclitaxel and Trimethoprim?

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 blood counts and neuropathy during co-use. Consider an alternative antibiotic if toxicity develops.

What other medicines interact with Paclitaxel?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Paclitaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Paclitaxel 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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in