methotrexate /meth′ōtrek″sāt/ , an antineoplastic antimetabolite. Also called amethopterin. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of a variety of malignant neoplastic diseases of the blood and organs and in the treatment of psoriasis, and it is widely used as an immunosuppressive agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Blood dyscrasias, severe renal or hepatic impairment, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are diarrhea, ulcerative stomatitis, bone marrow depression, hepatotoxicity, and skin rash.
