Methotrexate is a medication with multiple uses, primarily focused on reducing inflammation and slowing cell growth. It treats a variety of conditions.
Uses of Methotrexate
Methotrexate is used to treat several medical conditions by either reducing inflammation or slowing down cell growth. The main uses, as described in the provided reference, are:
- Inflammatory Arthritis: Methotrexate is a common treatment for various types of inflammatory arthritis, helping to reduce pain and prevent joint damage.
- Psoriasis: It is used to manage psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. The medication decreases inflammation of the skin.
- Other Inflammatory Conditions: Beyond arthritis and psoriasis, methotrexate is used for other inflammatory conditions where reducing inflammation is beneficial.
- Cancer Treatment: Methotrexate can also slow the growth of cancer cells and is used in chemotherapy regimens for various cancers.
How Methotrexate Works
Methotrexate works by:
- Reducing inflammation: It decreases inflammation in the body, which can relieve pain and slow down the progression of conditions like arthritis and psoriasis.
- Slowing cell growth: It interferes with cell growth, which is particularly useful in treating cancer by hindering the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Table of Methotrexate Uses
| Condition | How Methotrexate Helps |
|---|---|
| Inflammatory Arthritis | Reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and prevents joint damage |
| Psoriasis | Reduces inflammation and skin symptoms |
| Other Inflammatory Conditions | Reduces inflammation throughout the body. |
| Cancer | Slows growth of cancerous cells |
In summary, methotrexate serves dual purposes. It functions to reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis. It also slows cell growth, aiding in cancer treatment. The use of methotrexate is determined by the condition needing to be treated, and it is a medication that needs to be taken as prescribed by a medical professional.
