Methotrexate is a medication prescribed for a variety of medical conditions. Its primary indications include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Methotrexate is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. It helps reduce pain, inflammation and slows down the progression of the disease.
Psoriasis: Methotrexate is an effective treatment for psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. It helps to alleviate the symptoms and control the skin's excessive cell growth.
Certain Cancers: Methotrexate is employed in higher doses to treat certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and gestational trophoblastic disease. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Ectopic Pregnancy: In cases of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus), Methotrexate may be used to terminate the pregnancy when surgery is not immediately necessary.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Methotrexate is sometimes prescribed for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, to help control symptoms and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Methotrexate can be used to manage certain symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in the body.
Vasculitis: This medication may also be utilized in the treatment of certain forms of vasculitis, which are disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels.
Antineoplastic; Buricitt's Lymphoma: Stages I & II:
Oral:
Adults: 10-25 Mg/day For 4-8 days for Several Courses; Separate By 7-10 Day Rest Period.
Antineoplastic; Buricitt's Lymphoma: Stage III:
Oral:
Adult: 0.625-2.5 Mg/kg/day.
Leukaemia:
Induction: 3.3 Mg/m2 With Prednisone Every Day. Remission Maintenance: 15 Mg/m2orally/im Twice a week or 2.5 Mg/kg IV every 14 Days.
Mycosis fungoides: 5-50 Mg Every Week, If Poor Response, Increase To 15-37.5 Mg Twice Weekly.
Osteosarcoma:
By IV Inj: Initially 12 Gm./m2, Increase To 15 Gm/m2 If Peak Levels Of 1000 Micro-molar Not Reached At End Of Infusion.
Choriocarcinoma, Trophoblastic Diseases:
Oral Or By Im: 1530 Mg Every Day X 5 Days, Rest For At least 1 Wk & Repeat 3-5 Times.
Meningeal Leukaemias:
By Intrathecal Inj:
Children 3 Yr: 12 Mg.
2 Yr: 10 Mg.
1 Yr: 8 Mg.
<1 Yr: 6 Mg. Dilute Preservative Free Methotrexate To 1 Mg/ml, Dose Every 2-5 Day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Adults: Initially 7.5 Mg Once Weekly Or 2.5 Mg Every 12 Hr X 3 Doses Once Weekly. Max: 20 Mg/week. Reduce To the Lowest Effective Dose.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Children 2-16 Yr: 10mg/m2 once Weekly, Adjust Dose To Optimal Response. Psoriasis:
Oral Or By IV or IM:
Adults: Usual: 10-25 Mg/week Until Adequate Response Achieved Or Use 2.5 Mg Every 12 Hr X 3 Doses, May Increase Gradually. Max: 30 Mg/wk.