What is the brand name for Methotrexate?
The brand name for Methotrexate is Trexall.
PTCE 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).
Related drugs in the Rheumatology/Immunology group
Drill Methotrexate the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. 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).