Methotrexate Flashcards
Methotrexate: Class
- Immunosuppressant
- Antimetabolite
- Folic acid antagonist
Methotrexate: Action
- Inhibits an enzyme that reduces folic acid, which is needed for cellular reproduction
- Reduces inflammation and immune system reaction to UC, Crohn’s and RA exacerbations
Methotrexate: Therapeutic outcome
- Inflammation reduction
- Immunosuppression
Methotrexate is used to treat…
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
Daily use of Methotrexate has lead to _____ and should be taken _____.
- Fatal toxicity
- It should be taken weekly
Methotrexate: SFX
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspespsia
- HA
- Alopecia
- Dizziness
- Infertility
How long can it take for Methotrexate to reach therapeutic effect?
- Up to 3 months
- Benefits may not be felt during that time
What is important to remember in regards to the administration form and frequency for Methotrexate?
- Form: tablet or injection
- It is taken in a single dose, once a week, on the same day
True or False
If you miss a dose of Methotrexate, you should wait until the following scheduled dose time.
False, you can take it within 2 days of scheduled time, after which you will need to wait until the next scheduled time.
Methotrexate: Tablet admin instructions?
- By mouth
- After food
- w/ a glass of water while sitting upright or standing
- DO NOT CRUSH
A pt on Methotrexate will be prescribed what and why?
- Folic acid
- Taking folic acid helps replenish the folate your body loses because of the methotrexate.
- By replenishing folate, folic acid supplementation can help prevent common methotrexate side effects like nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores
What is important to remember in regards to administration of folic acid while on Methotrexate?
Folic acid should not be taken on the same day as Methotrexate.
What labs will be needed while on Methotrexate?
Blood counts
Liver tests
What is important to remember with Methotrexate and female reproduction?
- It is teratogenic
- It passes through breast milk, so should not be taken while nursing
True or False
Methotrexate increases sensitivity to sun.
True
