Methotrexate
Mechanism of Action
- Class: Antimetabolite
- Inhibits nucleic acid synthesis and by so doing, it inhibits cell proliferation
- Folate analogue and inhibits dihydrate folate reductase
Dosing and route of administration
- 7.5 to 25 mg once per week
- must also give folic acid
- Has been used via intravitreal injection
- Hardwig PW, Pulido JS, Erie JC, Baratz KH, Buettner H. Intraocular methotrexate in ocular diseases other than primary central nervous system lymphoma. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 Nov; 142(5):883–5. PubMed abstract
- Taylor SR, Habot-Wilner Z, Pacheco P, Lightman SL. Intraocular methotrexate in the treatment of uveitis and uveitic cystoid macular edema. Ophthalmology. 2009 Apr; 116(4):797–801. PubMed abstract
Side Effects
- Hepatotoxicity- Liver function should be monitored
- Cytopenia
- Interstitial Pneumonitis
- Teratogen