Camphor - Methotrexate Interaction
Herbal: Camphor
Drug: Methotrexate
Brand names:
Rheumatrex, Otrexup, Rasuvo, Reditrex
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 26, 2024
Interaction Details
Methotrexate is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of camphor with other hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
There have been a few case reports of transient elevations in liver enzymes in adults after oral or topical use of camphor. There has also been one case of hepatotoxicity in an infant after topical camphor use.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Uc A, Bishop WP, Sanders KD. Camphor hepatotoxicity. South Med J 2000;93:596-8.
- Rampini, S. K., Schneemann, M., Rentsch, K., and Bachli, E. B. Camphor intoxication after cao gio (coin rubbing). JAMA 7-3-2002;288(1):45.
- Cordoba Torres IT, Marino-Nieto J, Barkin HB, Fort AC, Cobas M. Vicks VapoRub intoxication: an unusual presentation of multiorgan failure. J Clin Anesth 2018;48:46-7.
Methotrexate Overview
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Methotrexate is used to treat severe psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) that cannot be controlled by other treatments. Methotrexate is also used along with rest, physical therapy, and sometimes other medications to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA; a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) that cannot be controlled by certain other medications. Methotrexate is also used to treat certain types of cancer including cancers that begin in the tissues that form around a fertilized egg in the uterus, breast cancer, lung cancer, certain cancers of the head and neck, certain types of lymphoma, and leukemia (cancer that begins in the white blood cells). Methotrexate is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. Methotrexate treats cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. Methotrexate treats psoriasis by slowing the growth of skin cells to stop scales from forming. Methotrexate may treat rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Camphor - More Interactions
Camphor interacts with 343 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.