💊 DESCRIPTION
Methotrexate 5 mg Tablet is an oral antimetabolite and antifolate drug used for treating certain cancers, autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis), and ectopic pregnancy. It acts by interfering with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication.
- Generic Name: Methotrexate
- Strength: 5 mg per tablet
- Form: Oral tablet
- Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic, Immunosuppressant, DMARD
- Common Brands: Folitrax®, Rheumatrex®, Trexall®, Methoblastin®
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Broad therapeutic use:
- Cancer: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, breast cancer, osteosarcoma
- Rheumatologic: Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Dermatologic: Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis
- Gynecologic: Ectopic pregnancy (non-surgical management)
- Oral formulation improves convenience in chronic conditions
- Often used in low-dose weekly regimens
- Cost-effective and widely available
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM OF ACTION
- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), preventing tetrahydrofolate formation
- This blocks the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, essential for DNA and RNA synthesis
- Affects rapidly dividing cells, especially cancer and activated immune cells
- Also has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects at lower doses
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Bone Marrow Suppression: Risk of neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver enzymes regularly
- Nephrotoxicity: Avoid in severe renal impairment; adjust dose accordingly
- Pulmonary Fibrosis / Pneumonitis: Rare but serious; report any cough or breathlessness
- GI Toxicity: Mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dermatologic Reactions: Rash, photosensitivity
- Pregnancy Category X: Teratogenic – strict contraception required for both sexes
- Avoid NSAIDs, sulfa drugs, and live vaccines unless directed by a doctor
- Regular CBC, LFT, RFT monitoring required
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15°C to 25°C
- Keep in original packaging, protected from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not store in the bathroom or near heat
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Usually taken once weekly (NOT daily) for autoimmune diseases – confirm with your doctor
- Take with food to reduce GI upset
- Use folic acid as prescribed to reduce side effects
- Swallow tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew
- Avoid alcohol – increases risk of liver toxicity
- Report immediately if you develop:
- Mouth sores, fever, cough, shortness of breath, easy bruising/bleeding
- Use effective contraception during and for at least 6 months after treatment
- Wash hands after handling tablets
- Do not receive live vaccines while on methotrexate
📦 PACKAGING
- Supplied in blister packs or HDPE bottles
- Each pack labeled with:
- Product name: Methotrexate Tablets 5 mg
- Caution: Cytotoxic agent
- Batch no., Mfg. date, Exp. date, and manufacturer’s name
- Accompanied by a package insert containing safety information