đź’Š DESCRIPTION
Methotrexate 10 mg Tablet is an oral antimetabolite drug used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and in the management of ectopic pregnancy. It interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis by inhibiting folic acid metabolism.
- Generic Name: Methotrexate
- Strength: 10 mg per tablet
- Form: Oral tablet
- Pharmacologic Class: Antimetabolite, Immunosuppressant, DMARD
- Common Brand Names: Folitrax-10®, Trexall®, Rheumatrex®, Methoblastin®
âś… ADVANTAGES
- Effective in:
- Cancers: Leukemia, lymphomas, breast cancer, osteosarcoma
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Obstetrics: Ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease
- Higher-dose tablet reduces pill burden in moderate to high-dose treatments
- Convenient once-weekly dosing in most non-cancer indications
- Widely available and cost-effective
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM
- Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
- Prevents formation of tetrahydrofolate, which is required for DNA/RNA synthesis
- Affects rapidly dividing cancer cells and auto-reactive immune cells
- Anti-inflammatory effects via adenosine release at low doses
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Hematologic toxicity: Risk of anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- Hepatotoxicity: Regular LFTs needed—avoid alcohol
- Pulmonary toxicity: Rare risk of pneumonitis
- Renal toxicity: Caution in renal impairment; monitor creatinine
- Mucositis: Common at higher doses
- GI disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Photosensitivity and rash may occur
- Highly teratogenic – contraindicated in pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Avoid live vaccines, NSAIDs, and certain antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim)
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15°C to 25°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original container, tightly closed
- Store out of reach of children
👨‍⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Take once weekly, not daily (unless specifically instructed for cancer treatment)
- Take with plenty of water, preferably with food to reduce nausea
- Take folic acid as prescribed (typically 1–5 mg daily except methotrexate day)
- Report side effects immediately:
- Mouth sores, fever, bleeding, breathlessness, jaundice
- Avoid alcohol and self-medication with over-the-counter painkillers
- Women and men must use effective contraception during and after therapy
- Regular blood tests (CBC, LFT, RFT) are essential
- Do not share the medication with others
📦 PACKAGING
- Available in:
- Blister packs (e.g., 10 tablets per strip)
- Plastic bottles (HDPE containers)
- Labeled with:
- Product name, strength (10 mg), manufacturer
- Cytotoxic warning, batch number, expiry date
- Accompanied by a package insert with full patient and safety information