Methotrax 15mg Tablet

Uses of Methotrax 15mg Tablet

• Active rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis in patients suffering from psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis)
• Relapsed and refractory (unaffected by other conventional treatments) Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

How does Methotrax 15mg Tablet work?

This medication works by modulating the immune system's response and is effective in treating various autoimmune conditions and certain cancers. 

Side Effects of Methotrax 15mg Tablet

• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Bleeding gums
• Blurred vision
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Pale skin
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Dizziness
• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness

Quick Suggestions:

• Women of childbearing age: Use effective contraception.
• Male patients: Consult regarding sperm preservation.
• Monitor for signs of infections.
• Regular blood, kidney, and liver tests are recommended.
• If a dose is missed, consult the doctor.

Indications:

Mtx Korea Tablet is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Pharmacology

Target Enzyme: Dihydrofolic Acid Reductase

Mode of Action:

• Methotrexate 10 mg inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase.
• This enzyme is essential for reducing dihydrofolates to tetrahydrofolates, necessary carriers of one-carbon groups in the synthesis of nucleotides and thymidylate.
• By inhibiting this process, Methotrexate 10 mg disrupts DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication.

Impact on Proliferating Tissues:

• Actively proliferating tissues, including malignant cells, bone marrow, fetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and cells of the urinary bladder, are more sensitive to Methotrexate 10 mg's effect.
• Malignant tissues with higher cellular proliferation may experience impaired growth without irreversible damage to normal tissues.

Methotrexate 10 mg's interference with dihydrofolic acid reductase disrupts key processes involved in DNA synthesis and cellular replication. This targeted action makes it effective in impeding the growth of actively proliferating tissues, particularly malignant cells while minimizing irreversible damage to normal tissues.

Dosage & Administration:

Take Methotrax 15mg Tablet as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Interaction

Drug-Drug Interactions

Before taking Methotrax 15mg Tablet, inform your doctor if you are using any of the following medications:

1. Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin)
2. Diuretics (e.g., frusemide)
3. Anti-diabetic drugs (e.g., metformin)
4. Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin)
5. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., cholestyramine)
6. Medications for gout (e.g., probenecid)
7. Folic acid supplements
8. Anti-ulcer medications (e.g., omeprazole)
9. Other rheumatoid arthritis treatments (e.g., leflunomide)
10. Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., sulfasalazine)
11. Cancer medications (e.g., doxorubicin, cisplatin, mercaptopurine)
12. Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
13. Anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam)
14. Contraceptives containing estrogen
15. Skin condition medications (e.g., retinoids)
16. Malaria drugs (e.g., pyrimethamine)
17. Live vaccines
18. Anesthesia and pain relief drugs (e.g., nitrous oxide)
19. Heart medications (e.g., amiodarone, digoxin)
20. Corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone)

Drug-Food Interactions:

• Avoid drinks with caffeine (e.g., black tea, coffee, soft drinks) to prevent dehydration while taking Methotrax 15mg Tablet.

Overdosage:

If an overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unusual weakness
• Mouth sores and ulcers

Contraindications

Alcoholism:

• Individuals with alcoholism should avoid Methotrexate 10 mg.

Alcoholic Liver Disease or Chronic Liver Disease:

• Contraindicated in individuals with alcoholic liver disease or other chronic liver diseases.

Immunodeficiency Syndromes:

• Contraindicated in individuals with immunodeficiency syndromes.

Pre-existing Blood Dyscrasias:

• Contraindicated in conditions like bone marrow hypoplasia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or significant anemia.

Hypersensitivity to Methotrexate 10 mg:

• Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Methotrexate 10 mg should avoid its use.

Pregnancy in Psoriasis or Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Contraindicated in pregnant women with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Women of Childbearing Potential:

• Contraindicated in women of childbearing potential unless using effective contraception.

Nursing Mothers:

• Contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Avoiding Pregnancy During and After Therapy:

• Pregnancy should be avoided if either partner is receiving Methotrexate 10 mg.
• For male patients, during and for a minimum of three months after therapy.
• For female patients, during and for at least one ovulatory cycle after therapy.

Precautions & Warnings

Formulations and Diluents:

• Formulations and diluents containing preservatives should not be used for intrathecal or high-dose Methotrexate 10 mg therapy.

Close Monitoring for Toxic Effects:

• Patients on Methotrexate 10 mg require close monitoring for toxic effects.

Adverse Reactions:

• If adverse reactions occur, consider reducing the drug dosage or discontinuing it.
• Appropriate corrective measures should be taken.
• Leucovorin calcium may be used if necessary.

Reinstituting Methotrexate 10 mg Therapy:

• If Methotrexate 10 mg therapy is reinstated, it should be done with caution.
• Adequate consideration of the ongoing need for the drug is essential.
• Increased alertness is necessary to detect any potential recurrence of toxicity.

Persistent Liver Function Test Abnormalities:

• Persistent abnormalities in liver function tests and/or depression of serum albumin may indicate serious liver toxicity.
• Evaluation is required in such cases.

Folate Deficiency:

• Folate deficiency may increase Methotrexate 10 mg toxicity.
• Addressing folate levels is important in managing the overall impact of the medication.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.