Possible Interaction: Caffeine and Methotrexate

“OBJECTIVE Methylxanthines, like caffeine , have been thought to reverse the antiinflammatory effects of methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).”

“The results indicated that: (a) the triple combination of methotrexate, caffeine … exerted cytostatic and cytotoxic action and (b) the combination of methotrexate … caffeine significantly increased the survival span of the mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor … their tumors at rates higher than in the case of methotrexate by itself.”

“The CC genotype of ADORA2A rs2236624 SNP in patients with lower caffeine intake treated with MTX is significantly protective.”

“ Caffeine and theophylline, which have several targets including adenosine receptors, have been shown to suppress the beneficial clinical effects of MTX.”

“Background Recent animal and human studies have suggested that the therapeutic benefit of methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may be substantially reduced in patients who are concomitantly consuming caffeine.”

“Other drugs or even dietary substances may interfere with the action of a drug—for example, caffeine , an adenosine receptor antagonist present in coffee and other soft drinks, blocks the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate in animal studies and patients with RA.”

“Moreover, the findings suggest that abstinence from caffeine , a ubiquitous food additive and medication, may enhance the therapeutic effects of MTX in RA.”

“However, pre-treatment of each of the three doses of CAF reduced the frequency of MTX 10mg/kg-induced aberrant metaphases, CAs, MN and also the percentage of dividing cells, but significantly only by the two higher doses of CAF.”

“The possible mechanisms involved in bringing about the weak clastogenic action of CAF and its protection from the cytogenotoxic effects of MTX have been discussed, and bio-modulation of the effects of antineoplastic drugs has been highlighted.”