Methox 10
Form: Tablet
Strength: 10mg
Generic Name: Methotrexate
Company: Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 15.06 (Strip=10)
Per Piece: ৳ 1.51
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
It is used to treat various types of cancer, including gestational choriocarcinoma, chorioadenoma destruens, and hydatidiform mole. It is also used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and lung cancer, especially squamous and small cell types. It helps in the management of severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments don’t work. Additionally, it is used for severe psoriasis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
Pharmacology
It works by blocking an enzyme that helps the body make DNA, which affects cell growth. It is especially effective against rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells and skin cells in psoriasis. Since cancer cells divide more quickly than normal cells, it helps control cancer growth without harming most normal tissues.
Dosage & Administration
Neoplastic Diseases: For trophoblastic diseases like choriocarcinoma, it is taken orally or injected, usually for 5 days in doses of 15-30 mg daily. The treatment may be repeated several times, with rest periods in between.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Induction dose: 3.3 mg/m² combined with prednisone for 4-6 weeks. Maintenance dose: 30 mg/m² twice a week.
Lymphoma: For Burkitt’s tumor, doses range from 10-25 mg daily for 4-8 days. For mycosis fungoides, doses are 5-50 mg weekly.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: 7.5 mg once per week, with a maximum of 20 mg per week.
Psoriasis: 10-25 mg once per week, with a maximum of 30 mg per week.
Interaction
It should not be combined with NSAIDs, high doses of which can increase the risk of side effects. Other drugs, such as salicylates, penicillin, and certain antibiotics, may also affect its effectiveness or cause liver damage. Care should be taken when using it alongside other chemotherapy drugs or vitamin supplements containing folic acid.
Contraindications
It should not be used by people with liver disease, weakened immune systems, certain blood disorders, or hypersensitivity to methotrexate. It is not safe for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Pregnancy should be avoided for at least three months after therapy for men, and for at least one ovulatory cycle after therapy for women.
Side Effects
Common side effects include mouth ulcers, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, and reduced immune response. It can also cause fertility problems, menstrual issues, and sperm production problems during and shortly after treatment.
Pregnancy & Lactation
It is classified as a Category X drug for pregnancy by the FDA. It should only be used for cancer treatment if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients on methotrexate should be closely monitored for side effects. Liver toxicity is a serious risk, and signs of liver damage should be investigated. Folate deficiency can make methotrexate more toxic.
Overdose Effects
If overdose occurs, leucovorin is used to reduce toxicity. It should be administered as soon as possible to counteract the overdose effects.
Therapeutic Class
It belongs to the class of drugs known as antidote preparations and immunosuppressants.
Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light and moisture, and at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Similar Brands of Methotrexate (Tablet – 10mg)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methotrax 10 | Tablet | 10mg | Delta Pharma Limited | 15.0 |
| Meth 10 | Tablet | 10mg | Drug International Ltd. | 12.0 |
| Metorax F. C | Tablet | 10mg | Renata Limited | 15.0 |
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