High-dose methotrexate with folinic acid rescue.
A brief review of the pharmacology of methotrexate is presented, and the rationale for the administration of high-dose methotrexate and the necessity of a folinic acid rescue to prevent methotrexate toxicity are discussed. Critical factors concenrning the use of this therapy, as well as unusual toxicities associated with the use of high-dose methotrexate, are presented. Several drug-and patient-related variables which may affect the toxicity of this dual drug administration are discussed to better enable pharmacists to monitor patients receiving this form of therapy. High-dose methotrexate with folinic acid rescue has improved the therapeutic index of methotrexate. The optimal dosage and duration of the two agents are yet to be determined.
D000042:Absorption; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate