Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Methotrexate - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Information about Methotrexate

Generic Name : Methotrexate
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Methotrexate are provided here.

Pronunciation : meth'' oh trex' ate

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Methotrexate, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y45.4 Therapeutic Classification : Antirheumatics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Methotrexate

India :

Other Name(s) of Methotrexate

Amethopterin

Why is Methotrexate Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antimetabolite, curative in choriocarcinoma (cancer of the tissue that normally would develop into placenta). It is also used in other cancers like blood, breast and lung cancers. It is also used to suppress immunity in conditions such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

When should Methotrexate not be taken? (Contraindications)

It should not be administered during breast feeding. It should also not be used in patients allergic to the drug, pregnancy, liver disease, in alcoholics, people with low blood counts or decreased immunity.

What is the dosage of Methotrexate?

Oral Burkitt's lymphoma- 10-25 mg/day for 4-8 days, repeat after 7-10 days.
Oral & IMChoriocarcinoma(Ectopic Pregnancy)- 15-30 mg/day for 5 days, repeat after an interval of at least 1 week for 3-5 courses.
Mycosis fungoides- 2.5-10 mg/day to induce remission.
Rheumatoid arthritis- 7.5 mg once weekly, adjust if needed. Up to 20 mg/wk.
Crohn's disease- 12.5-22.5 mg once weekly for up to 1 year.
PO/IV/IM- Psoriasis- 10-25 mg once wkly, adjust subsequent doses if needed.
IV- Osteosarcoma- 12-15 g/m2 as infusion, followed by folinic acid.
Breast cancer 10-60 mg/m2 often with cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil. Advanced lymphosarcoma Up to 30 mg/kg, followed by folinic acid rescue. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Maintenance: 2.5 mg/kg every 14 days.

How should Methotrexate be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.It also comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provide into a large muscle.

What are the warnings and precautions for Methotrexate?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, diarrhea, and stomach problems.

• If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated.

• It may cause liver or kidney impairment, bone marrow depression, ulcerative disorders of the GI tract.

• Avoid become pregnant while taking this medication.

• Monitor hematological, renal and hepatic function and GI toxicity regularly.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Methotrexate?

Central Nervous System- Dizziness, fatigue, headache, language disorder, weakness, paresis, convulsions, destruction of the myelin sheaths (IV after cranio spinal irradiation), inflammation of the arachnoid (a covering of the brain), transient paresis, nerve damage.
Skin- Redness of the skin, rashes, itching, loss of hair, hives, photosensitivity, pigmentary changes, skin discoloration, dilatation of blood vessels, acne, furunculosis, aggravation of psoriasis by ultraviolet light, severe allergic reactions.
Eye and ENT- Blurred vision, inflammation of the gums, inflammation of pharynx.
Gastrointestinal- Nausea, vomiting, enteritis, mouth ulcer, diarrhea, abdominal distress (common), loss of appetite, blood in vomit, blood in stool, GI ulceration and bleeding.
Genitourinary- Renal failure, blood contains excess amount nitrogen, inflammation of the urinary bladder, blood in urine, severe kidney disease, reproductive disorders, infertility, abortion, fetal defects.
Blood- Deficiency of all three blood cell types, bone marrow depression, anemia, bleeding, presence of bacteria in the blood (septicemia).
Liver- Elevated LFTs (liver function test), liver damage.
Respiratory- Deaths from interstitial pneumonia, chronic interstitial obstructive lung disease.
Miscellaneous- Malaise, chills, fever, lower resistance to infections, joint pain, muscle pain, diabetes, osteoporosis, allergic reactions, sudden death.

What are the other precautions for Methotrexate?

Do not take medicines containing aspirin, ibuprofen or folic acid while taking this medication.

What are the storage conditions for Methotrexate?

Store intact vials at room temperature (15-25�C). Keep this medication in an airtight container.

Methotrexate: Know More About The Immunosuppressant Drug

Advertisement
Recommended Reading