Methotrexate is used to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as several types of cancer[1][2][4].
Main uses of methotrexate include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and vasculitis[1][3][4][6].
- Severe psoriasis and plaque psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis)[1][4][6].
- Various cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and others[1][2][5].
- Tumors related to pregnancy (such as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole)[1][2].
- Certain rare autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, such as lupus, myositis, scleroderma, Crohn’s disease, and localised scleroderma[3][4][6].
Methotrexate acts as an immunosuppressant and an antimetabolite, helping to reduce disease activity by lowering the activity of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and by blocking enzymes necessary for cell growth in cancers[1][2][4].
References
- [1] Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, and others): Uses, Side Effects … – WebMD
- [2] Methotrexate: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [3] Methotrexate | Side-effects, uses, time to work – Versus Arthritis
- [4] About methotrexate – NHS
- [5] Methotrexate (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic
- [6] Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo) – American College of Rheumatology