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Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?
What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?
What is a common indication for this medication?
What is a common indication for this medication?
What is the primary route of excretion for this medication?
What is the primary route of excretion for this medication?
What is a common adverse effect of this medication?
What is a common adverse effect of this medication?
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What is a contraindication for this medication?
What is a contraindication for this medication?
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What laboratory test should be monitored regularly in patients taking this medication?
What laboratory test should be monitored regularly in patients taking this medication?
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Study Notes
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines
- Decreases the production of nucleotides, thereby inhibiting cell division and growth
Indications
- Cancer treatment (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Abortion (in combination with misoprostol)
Pharmacokinetics
- Oral bioavailability: 33-75%
- Peak plasma concentration: 1-2 hours
- Half-life: 3-10 hours
- Excreted mainly in the urine
Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis
- Hematological: bone marrow suppression, anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes
- Dermatological: skin rash, alopecia
- Pulmonary: pneumonitis
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (category X)
- Breastfeeding
- Severe renal impairment
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Active infection
Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) regularly
- Liver function tests (LFTs) regularly
- Renal function tests regularly
- Monitor for signs of infection and bleeding
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in purine and pyrimidine synthesis
- Decreases nucleotide production, inhibiting cell division and growth
Indications
- Cancer treatment (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Abortion (in combination with misoprostol)
Pharmacokinetics
- Oral bioavailability: 33-75%
- Peak plasma concentration: 1-2 hours
- Half-life: 3-10 hours
- Mainly excreted in the urine
Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis
- Hematological: bone marrow suppression, anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes
- Dermatological: skin rash, alopecia
- Pulmonary: pneumonitis
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (category X)
- Breastfeeding
- Severe renal impairment
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Active infection
Monitoring
- Regular Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Regular liver function tests (LFTs)
- Regular renal function tests
- Monitoring for signs of infection and bleeding
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Description
Learn about the mechanism of action of methotrexate, its indications, and pharmacokinetics. This quiz covers its use in cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, and more.
