Definition

1. Noun:
   • A toxic antimetabolite drug: Methotrexate sodium is a chemical compound used as medication. It works by interfering with the growth and reproduction of certain cells, particularly fast-dividing ones, by blocking the action of folic acid.

Usage

• Methotrexate sodium is primarily used in the treatment of serious medical conditions. It is administered under strict medical supervision.
• It is typically prescribed for certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis to control disease activity.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed methotrexate sodium to manage the patient's rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Treatment with methotrexate sodium requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects.

Advanced Usage

• "High-dose methotrexate sodium": Refers to a specific, intensive treatment protocol, often used in chemotherapy for certain cancers, which requires additional supportive care.
  • The oncology plan includes high-dose methotrexate sodium, followed by leucovorin rescue.

Variants and Related Words

• Methotrexate (n): The more common name for the drug, often used interchangeably, though "methotrexate sodium" specifies the salt form used in some injectable preparations.
  • She takes oral methotrexate weekly.

Synonyms

• Amethopterin: An older, less common name for methotrexate.
• MTX: A common medical abbreviation for methotrexate.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the sodium salt form of the drug methotrexate. This form is often used in solutions for injection.
• Its primary meaning is always as a pharmaceutical agent. It is not used in general or figurative language outside of a medical context.

Noun

1. toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular reproduction by acting as an antagonist to folic acid; used to treat certain cancers and psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis