Methotrexate Injection and Tablets (DBL)

Generic Name: Methotrexate
Product Name: Methotrexate Injection and Tablets (DBL)

Indication

Methotrexate is used in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat a wide variety of other conditions including:

• Solid tumours.
• Lymphoma.
• Leukaemia.
• Severe disabling psoriasis.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Severe asthma.
• Termination of ectopic pregnancy.
• Biliary cirrhosis.
• Polymyositis.
• Dermatomyositis.
• Graft-versus-host disease.

Action

Methotrexate acts by suppressing the immune system and also destroys rapidly dividing cells (i.e. cancer cells). It also has an anti-inflammatory action.

Dose advice

Adults:

• The initial recommended dose is 7.5 mg given orally, intramuscularly or subcutaneously once each week for 6 weeks.
• Maintenance dosing is 5-25 mg given once a week.

Children: 5-15 mg per square metre of body surface area given orally, intramuscularly or subcutaneously once each week.

Kidney function impairment: The dose of methotrexate should be reduced depending on the degree of kidney function impairment.

Liver function impairment: If liver enzymes are markedly elevated the use of Methotrexate may be contraindicated in conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Pregnancy: Methotrexate should be avoided in pregnancy unless its benefits outweigh the risks and it should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• Bone marrow suppression.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Increased sensitivity to light.

Uncommon side effects

• Fatigue.
• Chills.
• Fever.
• Eye irritation.

For further information talk to your doctor.