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Drugs and Medicinal Substances

Methotrexate

Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents

Methotrexate, formerly known as amethopterin, is a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant.

Facts
Drug Class
Chemotherapy agent and immunosuppressant (antimetabolite) 1
Mechanism of Action
Functions as an antimetabolite that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), blocking tetrahydrofolate synthesis and thereby DNA, RNA and thymidylate production; also suppresses T cells and interleukin-1 in autoimmune disease. 1
Approved Use
Treats certain cancers and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. 1
First Approved / Isolated Year
1947 1
Significant Risk
Nausea, fatigue, fever and increased infection risk with low white blood cell counts; serious effects may include liver disease, lung disease and lymphoma. 1
Classification
Approval Status
Approved 1
ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account
L: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2
Route of Administration
Oral 1
WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account
Complementary List 3
Connections

Associated With

Chemotherapy, Treatments

Treats

Cancer, Conditions
Source Methotrexate (Wikipedia)
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Conditions
Source Methotrexate (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Methotrexate (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead section
    a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant
  • Infobox, drug class
    Chemotherapy and immunosuppressant medication
  • Mechanism of action section
    inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
  • History section
    First synthesized in 1947; initial clinical use established in the early 1950s
  • Adverse effects section
    Serious effects may include liver disease, lung disease, lymphoma
  • Lead section, route-of-administration statement
    It can be given by mouth or by injection.
  • Regulatory approval status
View the Source
2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Quote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
View the Source
3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Cytotoxic medicines section
Quote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Cytotoxic medicines section
Methotrexate
View the Source
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