METHOTREXATE Meaning and
Definition
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Methotrexate is a powerful medication used in the treatment of certain types of cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites, which work by targeting and inhibiting the growth of rapidly dividing cells in the body. Methotrexate is considered a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) due to its ability to suppress the overactive immune system in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Primarily, methotrexate is used in various forms of cancer therapy, including leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancers. It works by disrupting the DNA synthesis of cancer cells, preventing their replication and causing their death. Additionally, methotrexate is effective in providing symptomatic relief for those suffering from severe forms of psoriasis by reducing the increased proliferation of skin cells that contribute to the development of plaques.
Methotrexate can be administered orally, intravenously, or through injections, depending on the specific condition being treated. The dosage and duration of the treatment vary depending on the patient's medical history, the severity of the disease, and other factors. However, it is crucial to closely monitor patients using methotrexate due to its potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, liver toxicity, bone marrow suppression, and an increased risk of infections.
In summary, methotrexate is a potent medication widely used in the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe psoriasis. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the growth of rapidly dividing cells, making it a crucial tool in managing these conditions.
Common Misspellings for METHOTREXATE
- methatrextate
- nethotrexate
- kethotrexate
- jethotrexate
- mwthotrexate
- msthotrexate
- mdthotrexate
- mrthotrexate
- m4thotrexate
- m3thotrexate
- merhotrexate
- mefhotrexate
- meghotrexate
- meyhotrexate
- me6hotrexate
- me5hotrexate
- metgotrexate
- metbotrexate
- metnotrexate
- metjotrexate
Etymology of METHOTREXATE
The word "methotrexate" is a combination of different components.
The first part, "metho-", is derived from the chemical name "methyl", which refers to a specific chemical group consisting of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms (-CH3).
The second part, "-trexate", is derived from "pteroylglutamic acid". "Pteroyl" refers to the compound pteridine, which is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecule found in folic acid. "Glutamic acid" refers to an amino acid with an acidic group. The term "-trexate" is a suffix that denotes the structural similarity to folic acid.
The compound gained its name based on its chemical structure, which is similar to folic acid.
