METHOTREXATE Flashcards
1
Q
What is it?
A
antimetabolite that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme essential for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines
2
Q
indications
A
inflammatory arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis
psoriasis
some chemotherapy acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
3
Q
adverse effects
A
mucositis
myelosuppression
pneumonitis
pulmonary fibrosis
liver fibrosis
4
Q
pregnancy
A
avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after treatment has stopped
5
Q
men and pregnancy
A
need to use effective contraception for at least 6 months after treatment
6
Q
how often is it taken
A
weekly
7
Q
monitoring
A
fBC, U&E and LFTs need to be regularly monitore
8
Q
what should be co-prescribed
A
folic acid 5mg ow
9
Q
interactions
A
trimethoprim
co-trimoxazole
high dose aspirin
10
Q
mx of methotrexate toxicity
A
folinic acid
