Methotrexate

Methotrexate is an approved anti-cancer drug which inhibits DNA synthesis. It is active against a wide range of tumours and is also used to treat severe psoriasis.

It has severe haematological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and other toxicities. Common side-effects can include leukopenia (low levels of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell), thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets), oral ulcers, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It should not be taken by pregnant women.

Taking aspirin can reduce the amount of methotrexate that is excreted by the body, resulting in increased side-effects.

Methotrexate comes in the form of yellow tablets or a liquid for intravenous injection. It is available in a generic (non-brandname) formulation and is also manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn under the tradename Maxtrex.

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.