title: Methotrexate pharmacokinetics in psoriatic patients developing hepatic fibrosis.
abstract: Methotrexate sodium is a well-established therapeutic agent for severe psoriasis, but its use may be associated with hepatic fibrosis. We studied the pharmacokinetics of oral and intramuscular methotrexate in two groups of patients--those who did and those who did not develop hepatic fibrosis while receiving methotrexate therapy. Our results showed no difference between the two groups for peak or 24-hour methotrexate concentrations; for area under the curve to 24, 144, and 24 to 144 hours; or in total-body methotrexate clearance. Measurement of methotrexate plasma levels after drug administration is therefore unlikely to help in identifying those patients at risk of developing fibrosis.
mesh_terms: D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008727:Methotrexate