The drug decreases pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, slows progression of the disease, and helps prevent joint damage.

Methotrexate is generally considered equivalent in rheumatoid arthritis (ra) treatment. However, the enhanced bioavailability of sq methotrexate may make this route of administration preferable to the oral route in certain patients.

Methotrexate is administered once weekly as a single dose or in divided doses given over a 24-hour period. To reduce the incidence of major toxic effects, methotrexate should never be given in daily doses.

Methotrexate can be administered as an injection in your muscle or orally. If you can find a doctor to do an injection of methotrexate, you should get 50 mg/m2 of methotrexate intramuscularly followed by 800 micro gm of intravaginal misoprostol 3-7 days after the methotrexate. You can also use the metrotrexate orally (75 mg). Most methotrextate tablets contain 5 or 10 mg that means you will have to swallow quite a lot of tablets.

Methotrexate dosing rheumatoid arthritis

If you are using methotrexate long-term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended. This drug in rare instances may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time. Consult your doctor regarding safe use of these drugs. If you are using low-dose aspirin for heart attack or strokeprevention, continue to take it unless directed otherwise. NSAIDs/aspirin may be used with low-dose methotrexate such as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis if directed by your doctor.

Caution is advised if you also take aspirin. Therefore, NSAIDs should not be used with high-dose methotrexate. Methotrexate has rarely caused severe bone marrow suppression and stomach/intestinal disease when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you have kidney problems or excess body water , you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your doctor. Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate.