Methotrexate
(meth-oh-TREKS-ate)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs| Contact us
What is methotrexate (Trexall™)?
Methotrexate is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer, as well as certain types of psoriasis and rheumatoid disorders. If you are unsure about why your child is receiving methotrexate ask your child's doctor. It is available as a tablet and as an injectable medication that may be given subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into the muscle), intravenously (IV), or intrathecally (into the spinal fluid).
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Special Instructions
- If your child is taking tablets, take them all at the same time. Do not spread the dose at different times during the day.
- Ask your child's doctor before giving any other medications including over-the-counter medications, even pain or cold and flu medications.
- Have your child drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication in order to ensure adequate hydration.
- Milk may decrease the amount of methotrexate that gets absorbed into the body. Avoid taking milk with the dose.
- This drug may increase your child's sensitivity to the sun. Be careful to limit your child's sun exposure and to have them use sunscreen (SPF 15) and wear protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when going outside.
- Store medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Your child's doctor may want to have your child's blood drawn to monitor for side effects of the drug.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a Dose is Missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Side Effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Hair loss
- Soreness in the mouth or throat
- Rash or sunburn
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent cough
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Warning Signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of jaundice including yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Loss of balance, lack of coordination, or sleepiness
- Fever 101.5 once or 100.5 twice in 12 hours
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Seizure
- Painful urination or difficulty urinating
- Sever sore throat or difficulty swallowing
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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PEP 5021 V 3/01
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
