Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is considered a relatively safe drug when prescribed at low-dose regimens not exceeding 25 mg/week. Severe acute toxicity is rare and presents with mucositis, cutaneous ulceration and pancytopenia. Most cases occur as the result of inadvertent overdosing due to erroneously taking the drug daily. However, concomitant factors such as older age, co-medication and renal failure may increase the drug's toxicity.
Case reports: We report four consecutive cases of acute MTX toxicity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. In three patients, MTX was erroneously taken daily for 2-4 weeks. All three patients recovered following MTX withdrawal and intensive treatment. The fourth patient was taking 7.5 mg weekly MTX as prescribed, but had concomitant factors and died.
Conclusion: Although low-dose MTX appears to be a safe medication, acute MTX toxicity can be a life-threatening emergency. Greater awareness of possible MTX toxicity is still needed for its prevention, early diagnosis and management.