<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Methotrexate is a cytotoxic antimetabolite agent and a folic acid antagonist. Except for its use in oncology and rheumatology, it is widely used in dermatology. The most important indications include severe forms of psoriasis, but also a wide range of autoimmune diseases and dermatoses with different etiology and pathophysiology such as: bullous pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, sarcoidosis, T-cell lymphomas, Behcet’s disease, adult atopic eczema, scleroderma, Reiter’s syndrome and many others. For dermatological indications methotrexate is usually taken in low oral doses, 5-25 mg once a week. In certain diseases it can be applied to the lesion itself, or in the form of local preparations. Considering the fact that numerous drugs affect various metabolic phases of methotrexate and may increase its toxicity, it is of utmost importance to consider other prescribed drugs, especially certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, retinoids, proton pump inhibitors and so on. If the selection of patients is correct, if drugs are taken regularly and laboratory monitoring is included, methotrexate is a truly efficient and safe drug that can be taken for months or years if necessary.</p></abstract>

Methotrexate is a cytotoxic antimetabolite agent and a folic acid antagonist. Except for its use in oncology and rheumatology, it is widely used in dermatology. The most important indications include severe forms of psoriasis, but also a wide range of autoimmune diseases and dermatoses with different etiology and pathophysiology such as: bullous pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, sarcoidosis, T-cell lymphomas, Behcet’s disease, adult atopic eczema, scleroderma, Reiter’s syndrome and many others. For dermatological indications methotrexate is usually taken in low oral doses, 5-25 mg once a week. In certain diseases it can be applied to the lesion itself, or in the form of local preparations. Considering the fact that numerous drugs affect various metabolic phases of methotrexate and may increase its toxicity, it is of utmost importance to consider other prescribed drugs, especially certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, retinoids, proton pump inhibitors and so on. If the selection of patients is correct, if drugs are taken regularly and laboratory monitoring is included, methotrexate is a truly efficient and safe drug that can be taken for months or years if necessary.

The Use of Methotrexate in Dermatology / Upotreba metotreksata u dermatologiji

Clinic of Dermatovenereology, University Clinical Center Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology

{"article-title":"The Use of Methotrexate in Dermatology / Upotreba metotreksata u dermatologiji"}

Methotrexate is a cytotoxic antimetabolite agent and a folic acid antagonist. Except for its use in oncology and rheumatology, it is widely used in...

The Use of Methotrexate in Dermatology / Upotreba metotreksata u dermatologiji

Published Online: Feb 12, 2013

Page range: 137 - 144

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10249-011-0045-5

Keywords
Methotrexate, administration and dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, toxicity, Skin Diseases,drug therapy, Dermatology, Dermatologic Agents

This content is open access.

The Use of Methotrexate in Dermatology / Upotreba metotreksata u dermatologiji

Published Online: Feb 12, 2013

Page range: 137 - 144

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10249-011-0045-5

KeywordsMethotrexate, administration and dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, toxicity, Skin Diseases,drug therapy, Dermatology, Dermatologic Agents

This content is open access.

Keywords
Methotrexate, administration and dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use, toxicity, Skin Diseases,drug therapy, Dermatology, Dermatologic Agents