Methotrexate and Alcohol Interaction
Methotrexate and Alcohol
Methotrexate is the generic name of this drug which is sold under the brand names Rheumatrex, Dose Pack and Trexall and is used to interfere with the growth of certain body cancer, bone marrow and skin cells that reproduce quickly.
It is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head, neck and lung and may also be used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is only used after other medications have been tried and failed.
It is of utmost importance to use the correct dosage at correct intervals. Follow your physician’s instructions as the side effects can be serious or fatal.
It is suggested that you do not consume alcohol even moderate drinking while using as the effectiveness of the drug will be lessened.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Before using Methotrexate advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding, have liver disease, alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, blood cell disorder such as anemia or leucopenia, bone marrow disorder, kidney disease, lung disease or pneumonia, stomach ulcers, any infection or are receiving radiation treatment.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, dizziness, tired feeling, headache, bleeding of gums or blurred vision. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, dry cough, short of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, white patches or sores inside the mouth or on lips, blood in urine or stools, changes in urination, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sore throat, headache, blistering and peeling of the skin, pale skin, bruising or bleeding, weakness nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay coloured stools or jaundice. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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