It is not only highly prescriptive in terms of the antibodies in the body and does not allow them to attack the body but is also considered Cytotrexate or Methotrexate, which is one of the favorite anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used for some forms of cancer; certain autoimmune disorders and for particular serious conditions of psoriasis. This writing aims at pointing out about side effects, dosage and price of Cytotrexate 10 mg tablets in Pakistan and try to get at answers to most of the common questions.
This is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug. This
metabolizes the folic acid in body tissue. Folic acid is a crucial compound in
the process of DNA synthesis. Alteration of this leads to inhibition of growth
in quickly replicating cells. This medication most often has application in
cancers and illnesses utilizing hyper proliferative mechanisms.
Preparation
There are:
- Methotrexate 10 mg per tablet
- Inorganic substances the over excipients which are the non-active elements that assist in supporting the formulation of the drug.
Uses of Cytotrexate 10 mg Tablet
Cytotrexate is a medication that is used in treating several
diseases, some of which are as follows:
1. Chemotherapy
Cytotrexate is applied in preparations of chemotherapeutic
drugs to treat several types of cancers. Some of the cancers treated through
them are as mentioned below:
- Leukemia: Especially Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in both children and adults
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's
- Breast Cancer: In chemotherapy preparation
- Osteosarcoma: Cancers occurring in one of the bones.
This medicine will either inhibit the growth and
multiplication of the cancer cells or even suppress the production entirely of
those cells.
2. Autoimmune Disorders
Cytotrexate is a first-line drug in most conditions related
to autoimmunity that incorporate its modification as part of an immune
response:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It slows the process of the disease
and also retards the inflammation.
- Psoriasis: The drug is administered to seriously diseased
patients where topical intervention cannot be undertaken.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: It reduces the symptoms like
musculoskeletal manifestations and cutaneous manifestations of the disease.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE): These medicines are administered extremely rarely at places wherein the disease progressively turns moderately symptomatic.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy
Cytotrexate is utilized for ectopic pregnancies in which an
egg already is fertilized outside of the uterus. It could liquefy tissues to
prevent more complications
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Cytotrexate is administered to people with IBD, particularly
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which have been established to have an
allergy to other drugs.
Dosage of Cytotrexate
Dosage varies for the treatment of Cytotrexate depending on
the patient condition, the disease condition, and the features. This drug must
be taken under prescription of a healthcare provider always.
General Guidelines
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: The most frequently used starting dose
is between 7.5 mg to 15 mg once weekly, to be titrated based on response.
- Psoriasis: The usual recommended initiating dose of
Cytotrexate is about 10 mg to 25 mg according to the severity in dosages once a
week.
- Chemotherapy: There are numerous chemotherapy regimens, which have different prescriptions, which is usually more.
Administration Route
Cytotrexate can be administered orally by tablet.
- With or Without Food: It may be taken on, off with food in
order to avoid gastrointestinal disturbance
- Hydration: Patients should typically be hydrated sufficiently. Their aim is to maintain or at least minimize renal dysfunction.
Time Course in Treatment
Based on the disease, and even with response to the disease;
it is essential that how long an individual should receive this medication
during treatment must have a closely monitored response with treatment efficacy
and treatment side effect toxicity.
Cytotrexate Side Effects
Despite Cytotrexate is relatively potent, it has several
side effects. Some of them are as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Nausea and Vomiting: The patient most frequently feels
nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea: It occurs at high levels
2. Bone Marrow Inhibition
Cytotrexate causes bone marrow suppression resulting in;
- Anemia: Low red blood counts render the patient weak and
anemic.
- Leukopenia: Low white bloods makes him or her vulnerable to
infections
- Thrombocytopenia: Easy bruising and heavy bleeding due to low counts of platelets
3. Hepatic Toxicity
Prolonged exposure to Cytotrexate is accompanied by elevated
levels of liver enzymes and thus is potentially dangerous to the liver. The
liver function should be evaluated at regular intervals.
4. Pulmonary Toxicity
The lungs are also involved and, in certain cases, are
accompanied by the following features in the lungs in exposed patients:
Pneumonitis: It causes inflammation of lung because of which
the patients encounter coughing and short breath.
5. Dermatologic Toxicity
- Rash: Patients receive a rash presentation by which they
become photosensitive from the sun.
- Alopecia: Hairs could become lost among the affected patients
6. Other Effects
- Fatigue: A patient would end up being highly tired due to
the treatment.
- Oral Ulcers: Patients are sure to develop ulcers in oral
The following precautions must be undertaken upon administration prior to treatment of with Cytotrexate.
1. Pregnancy and Lactation
The drug is pregnancy category X because the drug has severe
effects on the unborn child as it will lead to birth defects. Female patient
with child bearing ability should be put on safe contraceptive mode during the
treatment period and at least 6 months after the drug is stopped. Not indicated
in breastfeeding.
2. Liver and Kidney Function
Poor liver or kidney function patients should use
Cytotrexate cautiously. The liver and kidney functions of the patient should be
checked on regular basis when he is receiving treatment.
3. Infections
The condition should be communicated to the doctor if one
feels to have an infection because Cytotrexate lowers the patient's immune
system hence exposing him/her to infections.
4. Vaccinations
This might result in the suppression of the immune system
during Cytotrexate and interfere with the response of vaccinations.
Vaccinations should therefore be discussed with your doctor
5. Drug Interactions
These are drugs that interact with the effects of
CytoreXATE.
No steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs: This increases
toxicity
Cytorexic Antibiotics There is some potentiating antibiotics
for Cytorexate.
Cytotrexate 10mg Tab Price in Pakistan
These cost of Cytoretxate 10mg Tablet can be found range like
from the manufacturer up to pharmacy and commonly around Rs. 50-Rs. 150 Strip
in which 10 strips exist, this cost difference based on area and surrounding
regions.
Insurance and Affordability
There are only a few health insurances in Pakistan that cover
Cytotrexate. It is mostly because of their cancer treatment or chronic
ailments. The details of the coverage shall be taken through the company of
insurance in consultation by the patient.
Conclusion
Cytotrexate 10 mg tablets belong to the class of drugs,
without which many diseases are nowadays not controllable, for example cancer
diseases, autoimmune diseases, serious forms of skin disorders, the patient
must be well-orientated concerning all side effects that might arise and
follows, strictly adheres to advice that the care provider shall give him,
concerning dosages and control.
Please book an appointment with the best Internal Medicine Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
