Methotrexate — brands & medicines in Pakistan
Pakistan mein Methotrexate ke 1 brands available hain. Drug class: DMARD / Antimetabolite (Folate Antagonist). Neeche se koi bhi brand select karein aur uses, dosage, side effects aur price dekhein.
Quick Answer
Methotrexate is a dmard / antimetabolite (folate antagonist) used in Pakistan for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA — first-line DMARD), Psoriasis (moderate-severe), Psoriatic Arthritis. Available as 1 brand. Prescription required. Always confirm dose with a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Methotrexate?
Methotrexate is a dmard / antimetabolite (folate antagonist) used in Pakistan for a range of medical conditions. Doctors and pharmacists in Pakistan recognize Methotrexate under multiple brand names — currently 1 listed on PakVita (1 tablet). The information below is a synthesis from DRAP-registered medicine entries, BNF, and WHO Essential Medicines references.
Common indications
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA — first-line DMARD)
- Psoriasis (moderate-severe)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ectopic Pregnancy — specialist/hospital use only
- Malignancies (cancers) — oncology, high doses, specialist only
Indication and dose vary by medical condition, age, weight, and other factors. Always confirm with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Typical dosage
As prescribed — WEEKLY dose (NOT daily) for RA/psoriasis — NEVER self-dose or take daily — fatal medication error risk
This is a general adult guidance pattern based on the manufacturer's label for one of the Methotrexate brands listed below. Children, elderly patients, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver impairment usually need different dosing — confirm with your doctor.
Side effects
Common (usually mild)
- Nausea (mahtli)
- Mouth ulcers / stomatitis
- Fatigue (thakawat)
- Elevated liver enzymes
Serious — stop and see a doctor
- Severe hepatotoxicity / cirrhosis
- Pulmonary toxicity / methotrexate lung
- Myelosuppression / pancytopenia
- Severe mucositis
Important warnings
- WEEKLY DOSING — NOT DAILY. Daily dosing has caused deaths — this is extremely important
- ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy — teratogenic and abortifacient (Category X) — effective contraception is essential
- Women: stop 3 months before conception; Men: stop 6 months before conception
- Folic acid 5mg weekly (on a separate day) should be co-prescribed
- Regular monitoring of CBC, LFTs, creatinine is essential
- Live vaccines are absolutely contraindicated
Conditions treated
Methotrexate brands in Pakistan (1)
Click any brand to see full uses, dosage, side effects, prices, and warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methotrexate used for in Pakistan?
Methotrexate is commonly used for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA — first-line DMARD), Psoriasis (moderate-severe), Psoriatic Arthritis, Ectopic Pregnancy — specialist/hospital use only, and other indications. It belongs to the dmard / antimetabolite (folate antagonist) drug class.
What is the typical dosage of Methotrexate?
Typical adult dosing is described by manufacturers as: "As prescribed — WEEKLY dose (NOT daily) for RA/psoriasis — NEVER self-dose or take daily — fatal medication error risk". Always confirm dose, duration, and timing with a qualified doctor or pharmacist — dose depends on indication, weight, age, kidney/liver function, and other medications.
What are the common side effects of Methotrexate?
Common side effects include Nausea (mahtli), Mouth ulcers / stomatitis, Fatigue (thakawat), Elevated liver enzymes. Most are mild and resolve as the body adjusts. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor if side effects are severe, persistent, or include allergic symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
When should I stop Methotrexate and see a doctor?
Stop Methotrexate and seek urgent medical care if you experience: Severe hepatotoxicity / cirrhosis; Pulmonary toxicity / methotrexate lung; Myelosuppression / pancytopenia; Severe mucositis. These are serious signs that need immediate attention.
Is Methotrexate available without a prescription in Pakistan?
Prescription required.
What brands of Methotrexate are available in Pakistan?
1 brand of Methotrexate is listed on PakVita: 1 tablet. Browse the brand list below and click any name for prices, dosage, and full information.
Sources
- DRAP Registered Drug Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
- British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. — World Health Organization