Methotrexate for the Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Abstract

In a group of patients with chronically active Crohn's disease, methotrexate was more effective than placebo in improving symptoms and reducing requirements for prednisone.

New treatments for inflammatory bowel disease

“…A North American group reported that this drug, given once a week as a 25 mg intramuscular injection, was superior to placebo in improving symptoms (remission rates at 16 weeks 40% and 20%, respectively) and reducing requirements for prednisone in steroid-dependent CD [32] . In chronic steroid-dependent UC, in contrast, a lower dose of methotrexate (12.5 mg), given orally once weekly, was no more effective than placebo in the induction of remission or its maintenance over a 9 month period [33] .…”

Recommended drug therapy for inflammatory bowel disease

“…11 In this trial, 25mg methotrexate by weekly intramuscular injection was used, but another study suggests a similar response when it is given orally. 12 Lower doses (15mg a week) maintain remission.…”

Methotrexate for Crohn's Disease

“…1 2 Since its eVects in Crohn's disease were first reported in an open trial 12 years ago, 3 several uncontrolled and five controlled studies have further defined its role. [4][5][6][7][8] …”