Watsons Health

METHOTREXATE

Methotrexate is a drug that is known as an antimetabolite and a folic acid antagonist that hinders the synthesis of DNA. It binds to dihydrofolate reductase irreversibly, repressing the creation of reduced folates, and thymidylate synthetase, bringing about hindrance in purine and thymidylic acid production.

Uses

Methotrexate is used to treat the following:

  • Certain types of cancer
  • Severe psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments

Warnings

Do not give Methotrexate to people with the following conditions:

  • Severe renal or hepatic impairment
  • Psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Alcoholic liver disease
  • AIDS
  • Pre-existing blood dyscrasias
  • Pregnancy (in patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Breastfeeding

Side Effects

Methotrexate may have the following side effects:

  • Ulceration of the mouth
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Bone marrow depression
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Renal failure
  • Skin reactions
  • Alopecia
  • Ocular irritation
  • Arachnoiditis in intrathecal use
  • Megaloblastic anaemia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Precipitation of diabetes
  • Arthralgias

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

  • Hepatic or renal impairment
  • Bone marrow depression
  • Elderly
  • Neonates
  • Ulcerative disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

 

Interactions

Methotrexate may interact with the following medicines:

  • Penicillin
  • Sulfonamides
  • Sulfafurazole and sulfamethoxazole
  • Co-trimoxazole or trimethoprim
  • Colestyramine
  • Omeprazole

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of overdose include the following:

 

Seek medical help immediately.

Available Brands:

  • Alltrex
  • Emthexate
  • Hospira Me
  • MPL Methox
  • Zexate
  • Pterin

Related Articles

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS 9-VALENT VACCINE
ULTRAVIST

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS 9-VALENT VACCINE
ULTRAMOX

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS 9-VALENT VACCINE
ULTRALIV

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]