methotrexate

[ meth-oh-trek-seyt ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a toxic folic acid analogue, C 2 0 H 2 2 N 8 O 5 , that inhibits cellular reproduction, used primarily in the treatment of psoriasis and certain cancers and as an immunosuppressive agent.

methotrexate

/ ˌmɛθəʊˈtrɛkseɪt; ˌmiːθəʊ- /

noun

1. an antimetabolite drug used in the treatment of certain cancers. Formula: C 20 H 22 N 8 O 5

methotrexate

/ mĕth′ə-trĕk′sāt /

1. A toxic drug that acts as a folic acid antagonist to interfere with cellular reproduction and is used in the treatment of psoriasis, certain cancers, and certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Chemical formula: C 20 H 22 N 8 O 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of methotrexate¹

1950–55; metho(xy)- + trexate, of unclear derivation

Example Sentences

According to a recent statement from the Arthritis Foundation, people in states like Texas are reporting difficulties getting their prescriptions for methotrexate filled.

From Popular-Science

Soon after she started taking the drug methotrexate in February, Jennifer Crow noticed a significant improvement in her inflammatory arthritis pain.

From Time

Murphy says reports of patients being denied methotrexate are anecdotal, so it’s hard to get a handle on how common they are.

From Time