title: Low-dosage methotrexate for treatment and maintenance of remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
abstract: A literature search was conducted to examine the safety and effectiveness of low-dosage methotrexate for treatment and maintenance of remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Nine published articles indicated that for patients with Crohn's disease, oral or intramuscular methotrexate 20-25 mg/week is safe and effective to induce remission, followed by a lower dosage to maintain remission. In addition, methotrexate allows for corticosteroid dosage reduction. Therapy may be continued until the disease flares or adverse events occur. Evidence is insufficient to support methotrexate as treatment for ulcerative colitis.
authors.affiliation: University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Vandell
authors.forename: Joseph T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: DiPiro
mesh_terms: D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055502:Secondary Prevention
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate