Methotrexate is an antimetabolite. It is prescribed for use as an anticancer treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, choriocarcinoma and some solid tumors.
Methotrexate is also used as an immunosuppressant to treat rheumatoid arthritis and when under specialist supervision severe psoriasis.
Methotrexate interferes with the action of the enzymeA protein produced by the body's cells which catalyzes chemical reactions in organic matter. While most enzymes catalyze reactions within cells, digestive enzymes, which are produced in much larger quantities, act outside of cells within the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. that cells need to maintain and replicate themselves. It targets specifically those cells that divide and proliferate rapidly. These cells include many forms of cancer cells, make up the bone marrow and line the inside of the mouth, intestine and bladder.
Because of the way it works, methotrexate not only acts on cancerous cells but healthy ones too and is thus responsible for serious side effects. While the action of methotrexate against rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood it appears that the drug acts on the immune system and slows the progression of the disease.
Methotrexate should not be used during pregnancy. It is responsible for birth defects and other congenital abnormalities.
Common brand names
Common side effects
Methotrexate passes into breastmilk and should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding.
Infants seem to be particularly susceptible to the effects of methotrexate. There have been no reported problems among older children using the drug.
There are no known food interactions with methotrexate.
Alcohol should not be consumed while using this drug.
Consult your doctor before taking methotrexate if you have a history of any of the following:
Consult your doctor before taking methimazole if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
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