Red Clover - Methotrexate Interaction
Herbal: Red Clover
Also Known As: Trifolium pratense, Beebread, Clovone, Cow Clover, Daidzein, Genistein, Isoflavone, Meadow Clover, Miel des Prés, Phytoestrogen, Purple Clover, Trebol Rojo, Trèfle Commun, Trèfle des Prés, Trèfle Pourpre, Trèfle Rouge, Trèfle Rougeâtre, Trèfle Violet, Trefoil, Trifolium
Drug: Methotrexate
Brand names:
Rheumatrex, Otrexup, Rasuvo, Reditrex
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Methotrexate is classified as belonging to the following category: Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)
Theoretically, red clover might increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
In a case report, a 52-year-old female receiving weekly methotrexate injections for psoriasis developed symptoms of methotrexate toxicity, including severe vomiting and epigastric pain, after three days of taking red clover 430 mg daily. Toxicity resolved after red clover was discontinued. However, no liver function tests or methotrexate levels were reported.
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
- Orr A and Parker R. Red clover causing symptoms suggestive of methotrexate toxicity in a patient on high-dose methotrexate. Menopause Int. 2013;19(3):133-134.
Red Clover Overview
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia, but is also found in many parts of the world, including North America.
Red clover has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have a number of potential health benefits. It is a rich source of isoflavones, which are thought to have estrogen-like effects and is therefore often marketed for women's health. It has been used to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms as well as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis.
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.
Red Clover - More Interactions
Red Clover interacts with 820 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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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
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.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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