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Methotrexate and trimethoprim — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardDrug InteractionsMethotrexate and trimethoprimGPhC CRA

A 60-year-old woman takes methotrexate 15mg once weekly for rheumatoid arthritis and folic acid. She presents a prescription for trimethoprim 200mg twice daily for UTI. Her latest FBC showed borderline low neutrophils and eGFR 45mL/min/1.73m2. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: ETrimethoprim increases risk of methotrexate-related bone marrow toxicity

Trimethoprim and methotrexate both affect folate pathways and can increase risk of serious bone marrow suppression. Borderline neutrophils and reduced eGFR make the interaction more concerning. The prescriber should be contacted for an alternative antibiotic and monitoring advice. Folic acid does not reliably prevent this interaction.

Reference: BNF Methotrexate interactions; NICE CKS UTI