💊 DESCRIPTION
Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist used in cancer therapy, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancy. It inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, affecting DNA synthesis and cell replication.
- Generic Name: Methotrexate
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 2.5 mg
- Class: Antimetabolite, Immunosuppressant
- Common Brand Names: Trexall®, Rheumatrex®, Folitrax®, Methoblastin®
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Effective in treatment of:
- Cancer: Leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, head and neck cancer
- Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis
- Ectopic pregnancy (non-surgical management)
- Oral route is convenient for long-term use in low doses
- May help delay disease progression in rheumatologic conditions
- Cost-effective and widely available
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM
- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
- Blocks synthesis of tetrahydrofolate, reducing DNA/RNA production
- Targets rapidly dividing cells in cancer and autoimmune response
- Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory in low doses
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Bone marrow suppression: Monitor CBC regularly
- Hepatotoxicity: Regular liver function tests (LFTs) needed
- Nephrotoxicity: Monitor renal function
- Pulmonary toxicity: May cause interstitial pneumonitis
- GI effects: Nausea, mucositis, stomatitis, diarrhea
- Teratogenic: Strict contraception required in both men and women
- Avoid alcohol due to increased liver risk
- Do not take folic acid on same day as methotrexate unless advised
- Avoid NSAIDs and live vaccines without medical guidance
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Keep in original container, tightly closed
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Take once weekly (not daily) for autoimmune conditions unless otherwise instructed
- Do not self-adjust dose
- Report immediately if you experience:
- Mouth sores, fever, bleeding, cough, breathlessness
- Take folic acid supplements as advised to reduce side effects
- Maintain regular blood tests (CBC, LFT, renal)
- Avoid alcohol and limit sun exposure
- Use effective contraception during and 6 months after treatment
- Wash hands after handling the tablet
- If a dose is missed, do not double up – contact your doctor
📦 PACKAGING
- Available in blister packs or bottles
- Typically labeled with:
- Methotrexate Tablets 2.5 mg
- Cytotoxic warning
- Manufacturer name, batch number, Mfg. and Expiry date
- Supplied with a patient information leaflet