1Sr Lecturer, Department of Periodontics, Babu Banarasi Das college of Dental Sciences, B.B.D University, Lucknow, U.P.
2Service Senior Resident, (Pedodontics), Faculty of Dental Sciences, I.M.S, B.H.U, Varanasi, U.P.
3Reader, Department of Periodontics, Babu Banarasi Das college of Dental Sciences, B.B.D University, Lucknow, U.P.
*Corresponding author: Suraj Pandey, Sr Lecturer, Department of Periodontics, Babu Banarasi Das college of Dental Sciences, B.B.D University, Lucknow, U.P., Ph. No. +91: 9628931689. E-mail: drsurajpandey9@gmail.com
Online published on 9 May, 2014.
Methotrexate (MTX) is a well established drug used in the treatment of various neoplastic diseases. The efficacy of MTX against rheumatic diseases was first demonstrated in the early 1950s when aminopterine, a precursor of MTX, was used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently it has been increasingly used as a once-weekly, low-dose treatment of disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. As a consequence it is likely that dentists will encounter patients taking this drug in general dental practice. While certain adverse effects of low-dose methotrexate therapy have been described in detail, oral complications have received little attention. Ulceration in oral mucosa can occur as a side effect at any time during the course of methotrexate therapy. This may be due to lack of folic acid supplementation or overdosage due to confusion regarding its once-weekly regime. Even though adverse effects occur in oral cavity, potential still exists for specifically preventing and reversing its toxicity. Here, we are presenting a case report of low dose methotrexate therapy (LDMTX) induced oral ulceration in a patient suffering from Psoriasis. This article also summarises the uses and pharmacology of low-dose methotrexate and the mechanisms that lead to general and oral toxicity.
Methotrexate, Oral Ulceration, Psoriasis
