====== 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. [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=17056381|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. [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=19344827|PubMed abstract]]
===== Side Effects =====
  * Hepatotoxicity- Liver function should be monitored
  * Cytopenia
  * Interstitial Pneumonitis
  * Teratogen

{{tag>jia drugs}}