Also seen as MTX and was called amethopterin

Is a class or type of medication that is referred to as “antimetabolite” and “anti-folate drug“.

Inhibits the production of Folic Acid

Uses:

   -     Initially used as part of chemotherapy for cancer
   -     Leukemia [acute lymphoblastic]
   -     Other cancers
   -     Early miscarriages
   -     Ectopic Pregnancies
   -     When added with misoprostol can terminate early pregnancies
   -     Rheumatoid Arthritis
   -     Psoriatic Arthritis
   -     Psoriasis
   -     Scleroderma
   -     Ankylosing Spondyltis
   -     Crohn’s Disease
   -     Behcet’s disease
   -     others

Method of Action:

-      Inhibits an enzyme that produce Tetrahydrofolic acid

-      This is intern needed for DNA production

-      Also required in Purine synthesis

-      Should have greater effectiveness on cells that rapidly divide

Side Effects

   -     Nausea
   -     Vomiting
   -     Diarrhea
   -     Hair loss
   -     Headache
   -     Rash
   -     Abdominal pain
   -     Abdominal pressure
   -     Bloating
   -     Anemia
   -     Decreased white blood cells
   -     many others

****  -  Higher doses for cancer may have additional side effects along with those mentioned above

***  -  Small amount of individuals may develop hepatitis

**  –   Not to be taken during prengnancy
      -   Do not take if risk of becoming pregnant
      -   Do not take if Lactating
      -   Do not take If male and trying to get partner pregnant

*  –  Adverse effects are potential when also taking penicillin