Methotrexate Tablets

What’s the dose?

Rheumatoid arthritis:

• The usual dose is 7.5 - 15 mg once weekly.

Psoriasis:

• The usual dose is 7.5–15 mg taken once weekly.

MAX weekly dose is 20mg.

Could they interact with other tablets?

The following medicines may interact with Methotrexate:

• acitretin
• chloramphenicol
• co-trimoxazole
• folic acid
• nitrous oxide
• para-aminobenzoic acid
• probenecid
• sulfinpyrazone
• trimethoprim

The following types of medicine may interact with Methotrexate:

• acidic anti-inflammatory agents
• diphenylhydantoins
• folic acid antagonists
• live vaccines
• medicines that are damaging to the kidney
• medicines that are damaging to the liver
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• oral hypoglycaemics
• salicylates
• sulphonamides
• tetracyclines
• thiazide diuretics

If you are taking Methotrexate and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Common side effects include:

• infections
• mouth ulcers
• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue
• low white cell count
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• weight loss
• skin rash
• hair loss

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

You cannot drink alcohol while taking methotrexate.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Methotrexate cannot be taken while pregnant or breast feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/Methotrexate-Rheumatrex-Trexall

http://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/medication/drug-types/disease-modifying-drugs/methotrexate-side-effects.php