METHOTREXATE
Methotrexate is a closely related compound with folic acid
(pteridine derivative).
It is a yellow to orange-brown crystalline powder, m.p.
185-204 (decomp). It is practically insoluble in water, alcohol, chloroform and
ether; dissolves in solutions of mineral acids and in dilute solutions of
alkali hydroxides and carbonates with decomposition.
It is placed in air-tight
containers and protected from light. Within the cell it is reduced to
dihydrofolic and then tetrahydrofolic acid.
Uses : Methotrexate is aní antineoplastic agent which acts as an
antimetabolite of folic acid. It also has immunosuppressant properties. It is
used to treat leukaemia, different cancerous diseases and psoriasis.
Side Effect
Early signs of toxicity with methotrexate include leucopenia,
anaemia, thrombocytopenia, ulceration of mouth and gastrointestinal effects.
Comments
Post a Comment