Emthexate

MTX

Breast carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, chorioadenoma destruens & hydatidiform mole, lymphocytic & meningeal leukaemia, lymphosarcoma, mycosis fungoides, psoriasis.

Trophoblastic tumours 15-30 mg IM daily for 5 days. Repeat after ≥1 wk when toxicity disappears. Usually administer for 3-5 courses. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia 3.3 mg/m² orally w/ prednisolone for 4-6 wk. Maintenance: 20-30 mg/m² orally or IM twice wkly or 2.5 mg/kg IV every 14 days. Meningeal leukemia 0.2-0.5 mg/kg at 2-5 day intervals intrathecally when CSF cell counts are normal, then give 1 more dose or 12 mg/m² once wkly for 2 wk, then once a mth. Mycosis fungoides 2.5-10 mg daily orally or 50 mg IM once wkly or 25 mg twice wkly. Psoriasis Divided oral dosage: 2.5 mg 12 hrly for 3 doses/wk or 8 hrly for 4 doses/wk. Max wkly dose: 30 mg. Daily oral dosage: 2.5 mg daily for 5 days. Rest for >2 days. Max 6.25 mg daily. Wkly dosage: 10-25 mg orally, IM or IV once wkly. Max: 50 mg/wk.

Should be taken on an empty stomach: May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort. Avoid taking w/ milk-rich products.

Pregnancy & lactation. Psoriatic patient in poor state of nutrition, serious renal or liver disorders, bone marrow hyperplasia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or anemia.

Perform hematological studies, urine analysis, renal function test & chest radiographs.

Hepatotoxicity, GI, dermatological, liver & GUT toxicity.

Effects enhanced by salicylates, sulfonamides, diphenylhydantoin, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, aminobenzoic acid. Folic acid prep decreases its effectiveness.

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

L01BA01 - methotrexate ; Belongs to the class of antimetabolites, folic acid analogues. Used in the treatment of cancer.
L04AX03 - methotrexate ; Belongs to the class of other immunosuppressants.

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