Methotrexate Flashcards
drug classification
antimetabolite
dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor
used to treat
wide variety of cancers
severe psoriasis
severe rheumatoid arthritis
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
brand names
metoject
nordimet
otrexup
methods of administration
given as a shot under the skin using a pre-filled injection pen
usually in the stomach or the thigh
tablets
liquid
mechanism of action
enters tissues and is converted to methotrexate polyglutamate by folylpolyglutamate
competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase which inhibits enzymes responsible for nucleotide synthesis
prevents cell division
taken on different day to folic acid to reduce side effects
side effects
mucositis
patients should report side effects associated with blood disorders: sore throat, bruising and mouth ulcers
how does it link to the PBL case
drug used within maintenance therapy
given once weekly