💊 Methotrexate Tablet 2.5 mg
📘 Description:
Methotrexate 2.5 mg is a small, scored tablet, often yellow to orange in color, used for its immunosuppressive and cytotoxic properties. It is a cornerstone drug in autoimmune and oncological therapy.
🔬 Nature / Drug Class:
- Class: Antimetabolite / Antifolate / DMARD (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug)
- Mechanism:
- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking DNA synthesis
- Suppresses immune response and reduces inflammation
- Interferes with rapidly dividing cells, including immune cells
🩺 Prescription / Uses:
| Indication | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | Reduces joint inflammation and prevents joint damage |
| Psoriasis / Psoriatic arthritis | Controls plaque and joint symptoms |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus | Off-label use in refractory cases |
| Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia) | Used at higher doses |
| Ectopic pregnancy (low dose) | Stops growth of non-viable fetal tissue |
| Crohn’s disease (off-label) | Used as an immunosuppressant when others fail |
✅ Advantages:
- Highly effective in RA and autoimmune disorders
- Disease-modifying effect (slows or stops joint damage)
- Well-established safety profile (with proper monitoring)
- Weekly dosing (not daily) increases compliance
- Cost-effective and widely available
⚠️ Precautions:
- Folic acid deficiency: Always prescribe folic acid (5 mg/week or 1 mg daily except on methotrexate day)
- Pregnancy & lactation contraindicated: Teratogenic
- Liver disease, alcohol use: Increases risk of hepatotoxicity
- Renal impairment: Dose adjustment may be needed
- Avoid live vaccines during therapy
- Requires frequent blood monitoring (CBC, LFT, RFT)
📦 Storage:
- Store below 25°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep away from children and pets
📋 Important Patient Advice:
- Take only once per week – never daily
- Always use folic acid as directed
- Do not use in pregnancy – use contraception during and for at least 6 months after stopping
- Report mouth ulcers, fever, bleeding, or breathlessness immediately
- Do regular blood tests every 2–3 months