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

Popular posts from this blog

PROPANDID

Vitamin A2

HOMATROPINE