toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular reproduction by acting as an antagonist to folic acid; used to treat certain cancers and psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
anti-cancer drug that interferes with the normal utilization of folic acid in tissue cell reproduction Uses: 1) high concentrations used in laboratories to halt cell division for study 2) high doses used in combination therapy of various types of adult and childhood cancer 3) medium doses used for pregnancy termination and treatment of psoriasis 4) lower doses used as a slow-acting anti-rheumatic drug in various rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis