Methotrexate - meth-o-TREX-ate belongs to the group of medication known as antimetabolites. It is using to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be using for other conditions as determined by your family doctor.
Methotrexate blocks an enzyme needed by the cell to live. This interferes with the growth of certain cells, such as skin cells in psoriasis that are growing rapidly. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be effected by methotrexate, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your family doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the drug is using.
Before you begin treat with methotrexate, you and your family doctor must talk about the good this drug will do as well as the chance of using it.
Methotrexate is available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
Generic name product may be available in the USA and Canada.
Another commonly using name is amethopterin .