Prescriptions for a toxic combination: use of methotrexate plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of using the potentially toxic combination of methotrexate and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in outpatient practice in the United States.

METHODS

Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1993-2010 were used to assess the frequency of using methotrexate with TMP-SMX and associated physician specialties and diagnoses.

RESULTS

TMP-SMX was coprescribed in 22,000 methotrexate visits per year (1.0% of methotrexate visits). Pediatricians prescribed the combination most frequently, and the most common diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. There was no significant change over time in coprescription of TMP-SMX with methotrexate (P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose TMP-SMX with methotrexate chemotherapy appears to be standard for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia; however, other uses appear questionable, and clinicians should be cognizant of the risk for fatal interactions, especially when medications are prescribed by multiple providers.