For rheumatoid arthritis management, how often is methotrexate typically prescribed in standard regimens?

For rheumatoid arthritis management, how often is methotrexate typically prescribed in standard regimens?

• A. Daily
• B. Twice daily
• C. Once weekly
• D. Once monthly

Answer: (C)

Methotrexate is given once weekly in standard rheumatoid arthritis regimens. This dosing minimizes toxicity while providing ongoing anti-inflammatory effects. Daily or twice-daily dosing would lead to higher drug exposure and a greater risk of adverse effects like bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity; once monthly would not sustain disease control. In practice, a typical starting dose is around 7.5–15 mg once weekly (oral or subcutaneous), with adjustments up to about 20–25 mg weekly as needed, and folic acid supplementation to reduce side effects.

Methotrexate is given once weekly in standard rheumatoid arthritis regimens. This dosing minimizes toxicity while providing ongoing anti-inflammatory effects. Daily or twice-daily dosing would lead to higher drug exposure and a greater risk of adverse effects like bone marrow suppression and liver toxicity; once monthly would not sustain disease control. In practice, a typical starting dose is around 7.5–15 mg once weekly (oral or subcutaneous), with adjustments up to about 20–25 mg weekly as needed, and folic acid supplementation to reduce side effects.