Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are both used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but they have different uses and ways of working. Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that treats various cancers and non-cancer conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is given as an injection or may be taken by mouth as a tablet and works by blocking a protein important for cell growth. Hydroxychloroquine, on the other hand, is an oral medication that is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and an antimalarial. It helps treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by blocking certain immune system processes. Methotrexate can cause serious side effects like low white blood cells and kidney problems, while hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm issues and eye damage. Methotrexate is not safe during pregnancy, but hydroxychloroquine might be an option for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy. Both medications are available in brand and lower-cost generic forms.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Methotrexate (Trexall)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

  • Summary of Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Summary for Antimetabolite
    Prescription only

    Methotrexate (Trexall) belongs to a drug class called antimetabolites. It’s used as chemotherapy at high doses to kill cancer cells and treat different cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At lower doses, methotrexate (Trexall) is considered a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that treats certain non-cancer conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This medication is a tablet that you take by mouth. For most conditions, it’s taken once a week, but for some, it’s taken more often than that. Methotrexate (Trexall) side effects include mouth sores, nausea, and stomach upset.

    Summary for Anti-malarial agent
    Prescription only

    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus in adults. It's also an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria in adults and children. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice per day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Indications for

    Cancer:

    •Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and children; given with other chemotherapy
    •Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults; given by itself or with other chemotherapy
    •Advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults; given with other chemotherapy

    Non-cancer conditions:

    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children
    •Severe psoriasis in adults
    Indications for
    •Uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults
    •Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Pros and Const for Antimetabolite
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth, so a good option for people who don’t like needles
    •A non-steroidal option for autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
    •Doesn’t typically cause hair loss or weight gain
    Cons
    •Might cause nausea and mouth sores
    •Can raise your risk for infection
    •Requires regular office visits and lab tests to check for serious side effects
    Pros and Const for Anti-malarial agent
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken once per day
    •Possible option for RA during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Need to take with food or milk
    •Interacts with commonly prescribed medications, such as certain blood sugar medications or antibiotics
    •Can't be used in children for lupus

  • Common Side Effects of Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mouth sores
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach upset
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Chills
    •Fever
    •Infection
    •Higher liver enzyme levels in the blood
    •Low white blood cells
    •Low platelet levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 37%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 37%)
    •Bloating (up to 37%)

  • Warnings of Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Allergic reaction
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Damage to the digestive tract
    •Liver damage
    •Lung problems
    •Serious skin problems (including skin burns)
    •Kidney damage
    •Risk of serious side effects with dosing errors
    •Effect on folic acid levels in the body
    •Serious infections
    •Serious nervous system problems
    •Risk for new cancers
    •Tumor lysis syndrome
    •Changes to your ability to have children (infertility)
    •Higher risk for side effects if you have extra body fluid
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious heart rhythm problems
    •Build-up of phospholipids (a type of fat)
    •Eye damage
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
    •Suicidal thoughts
    •Lower blood sugar levels
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Methotrexate vs. Plaquenil

    Learn more about Methotrexate
    Learn more about Hydroxychloroquine

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Chloroquine vs MethotrexateMethotrexate vs AravaMethotrexate vs OtezlaMethotrexate vs PlaquenilMethotrexate vs SulfasalazineColazal vs RowasaEnbrel vs CosentyxEnbrel vs HumiraEnbrel vs SimponiEnbrel vs TrexallEnbrel vs XeljanzLialda vs ColazalLialda vs SulfasalazineMalarone vs ChloroquineMalarone vs PlaquenilMefloquine vs PlaquenilOrencia vs EnbrelOtezla vs CosentyxOtezla vs EnbrelOtezla vs HumiraQualaquin vs PlaquenilRinvoq vs OtezlaRowasa vs SulfasalazineSkyrizi vs OtezlaSotyktu vs OtezlaSulfasalazine vs ChloroquineSulfasalazine vs ColazalTaltz vs OtezlaTremfya vs OtezlaXeljanz vs Otezla
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.