Four-year experience with methotrexate exposures

J Med Toxicol. 2008 Sep;4(3):149-50. doi: 10.1007/BF03161192.

Abstract

Introduction: Unintentional methotrexate (MTX) acute oral overdose is rarely reported.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all human exposure calls (>150,000 charts) for MTX ingestions reported to our Poison Center during 2000-2003.

Results: Thirteen patients met the criteria. The average amount of MTX ingested was 13.03 mg (data from 7 cases), and the average patient age was 43 years (20 months to 80 years). No significant toxicities occurred.

Discussion: Although intravenous MTX toxicity can be severe, this does not appear to be a phenomenon associated with either acute unintentional or suicidal oral ingestion.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / poisoning*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / poisoning*
  • Middle Aged
  • Poison Control Centers
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suicide
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Methotrexate