Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite medication, which means that it prevents cells from using some of the materials necessary for replication. This drug can be used to treat diseases such as cancer and certain skin conditions which are marked by rapid cell proliferation. However, high doses of methotrexate can cause numerous side effects.
Gastrointestinal Inflammation
High doses of methotrexate can result in inflammation of several different portions of the digestive tract, notes the website RxList, including the stomach, gums, intestines and pancreas. This can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Blood may also appear in the feces or in the vomit. The pancreatic inflammation may also result in a general loss of appetite. Patients suffering from stomach inflammation may develop ulcers.
Skin Changes
The skin can also be affected by high doses of methotrexate. This is because the medication can inhibit the replication of skin cells. As a result, patients may develop itchy skin or a rash, according to Drugs.com. Other symptoms include hair loss and sensitivity to sunlight.
Neurological
High doses of methotrexate can result in dizziness, drowsiness and a headache, notes MedlinePlus. In some cases, methotrexate can have a very serious effect on the nervous system, resulting in confusion, blurred or impaired vision, and muscle weakness or paralysis. Patients may also develop seizures or fall into a coma, states MedlinePlus.
Bone Marrow Suppression
High doses of methotrexate can also suppress the activity of the bone marrow, resulting in abnormally low numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The lack of red blood cells can result in fatigue, heavy breathing and pallor. Low numbers of platelets can result in easy bleeding and bruising. Finally, decreased production of white blood cells can result in patients being more susceptible to infections.
Respiratory
High doses of methotrexate can damage the lungs, explains RxList. This can result in pneumonia and scar tissue developing in the lungs, which is also known as pulmonary fibrosis. In severe cases, the respiratory system can fail.
Urinary
High quantities of methotrexate can damage the kidneys, in some cases resulting in kidney inflammation and blood appearing in the urine. In more severe cases, the kidneys may fail, resulting in the patient needing dialysis.
Stevens-Johnson
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a potential side effect of high doses of methotrexate. This condition is marked by a severe rash that covers large parts of the body. The affected skin then is shed by the body, resulting in massive portions of the body having immature layers of skin exposed to the environment, leading to tenderness and the potential for massive infections.
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