See the DrugPatentWatch profile for methotrexate
Methotrexate is a commonly used medication for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain types of cancer [1]. Elderly patients may require methotrexate dose adjustments due to several factors related to aging.
Firstly, elderly patients often have reduced kidney function, which can affect the elimination of methotrexate from the body [2]. This can lead to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. Therefore, lower doses may be necessary to avoid adverse effects.
Secondly, elderly patients are more susceptible to myelosuppression, a condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells [3]. Methotrexate can further exacerbate this condition, leading to an increased risk of anemia, infection, and bleeding. Hence, lower doses may be required to minimize these risks.
Thirdly, elderly patients often take multiple medications due to various health conditions [4]. This can increase the risk of drug interactions, including increased toxicity or reduced efficacy of methotrexate. Therefore, dose adjustments may be necessary to manage these interactions.
Lastly, elderly patients may have altered drug metabolism due to changes in liver function [5]. This can affect the way methotrexate is processed in the body, leading to increased or decreased drug levels. Consequently, dose adjustments may be required to maintain therapeutic levels.
In conclusion, elderly patients may need methotrexate dose adjustments due to changes in kidney function, susceptibility to myelosuppression, potential for drug interactions, and altered drug metabolism. Healthcare providers should carefully monitor methotrexate levels and related side effects in elderly patients to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Sources:
[1] "Methotrexate." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 Jan. 2022, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682135.html.
[2] "Methotrexate." Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/mtx.html.
[3] "Myelosuppression." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000141.htm.
[4] "Polypharmacy in Elderly Patients." StatPearls [Internet], StatPearls Publishing, 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551656/.
[5] "Drug Metabolism in the Elderly." Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855332/.
[6] "Methotrexate." DrugPatentWatch, 2022, drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/methotrexate.