What is the brand name for Methotrexate?
The brand name for Methotrexate is Trexall.
PTCB TOP 200 · #130
Methotrexate
Trexall
Methotrexate is the generic name for the brand-name drug Trexall. It is an antimetabolite (dmard) used to treat RA, psoriasis, cancer. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Methotrexate ranks #130 and is one of the most frequently tested rheumatology/immunology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Methotrexate |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Trexall |
| Drug class | Antimetabolite (DMARD) |
| Class group | Rheumatology/Immunology |
| Common use | RA, psoriasis, cancer |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Methotrexate used for?
Used in certain cancers and autoimmune diseases; commonly for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis when other therapies are inadequate.
What drug class is Methotrexate?
Methotrexate is an Antimetabolite (DMARD) in the Rheumatology/Immunology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Methotrexate
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightStomatitis/mouth sores
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightElevated liver enzymes
- arrow_rightAbdominal discomfort
- arrow_rightInfections
- arrow_rightHair thinning
Major interactions
- arrow_rightNSAIDs (esp. high-dose MTX) → increased MTX levels/toxicity
- arrow_rightTrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole → severe bone marrow suppression (avoid)
- arrow_rightPPIs (e.g., omeprazole) may reduce MTX clearance at high doses
- arrow_rightPenicillins/probenecid → reduced MTX clearance
- arrow_rightLive vaccines → infection risk (avoid)
Is Methotrexate a controlled substance?
No. Methotrexate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: Methotrexate can cause serious and sometimes fatal toxicities (e.g., bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, severe skin reactions) and embryo‑fetal toxicity; requires close monitoring and appropriate patient selection.
How to remember Methotrexate (PTCE mnemonic)
TREX-all is the 'TREXtual' weekly DMARD — methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. WEEKLY (not daily!) — daily dosing FATAL; folic acid co-prescribed; monitor LFTs/CBC/CXR; teratogen.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Methotrexate for RA is dosed once WEEKLY — accidental daily dosing is a famous fatal error, and it's routinely paired with folic acid. A high-alert medication.
Methotrexate FAQ
What is Methotrexate used for?
Methotrexate is used to treat RA, psoriasis, cancer. Used in certain cancers and autoimmune diseases; commonly for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis when other therapies are inadequate.
What drug class is Methotrexate?
Methotrexate is an Antimetabolite (DMARD) (Rheumatology/Immunology group).
Is Methotrexate a controlled substance?
No. Methotrexate is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Methotrexate
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really meansSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Methotrexate the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Rheumatology/Immunology group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).