methotrexate(Trexall, Rasuvo, Otrexup)
Antimetabolite; dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor; DMARD
Pronunciation
/ˌmɛθəˈtrɛkseɪt/
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Say it aloud once — you will remember it forever.
At a glance
- Generic name
- methotrexate
- Brand names
- Trexall, Rasuvo, Otrexup, Xatmep (oral solution)
- Therapeutic class
- Antimetabolite; dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor; DMARD
- Mechanism (summary)
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Clinical pearls
- Weekly dosing only for RA/psoriasis - taking daily by mistake can be fatal.
- Take folic acid 1 mg daily (skip MTX day per provider) to reduce side effects.
- Avoid alcohol - increases liver toxicity.
- Effective contraception required during and for several months after.
- Report mouth sores, cough/shortness of breath, fever, easy bruising.
Sources
See how methotrexate appears in NAPLEX-style questions
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