How does methotrexate impact elderly patients kidney function?

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy medication commonly used to treat various diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Elderly patients taking methotrexate are at risk of kidney damage, as the medication can cause nephrotoxicity, which is the toxic effect of a substance on the kidneys [1].

Research suggests that methotrexate can impair kidney function by reducing the expression of aquaporin-1, a protein involved in water reabsorption, and by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines that can damage kidney tissue [2]. Additionally, elderly patients may have pre-existing kidney problems due to age-related decline in kidney function [3].

Studies have shown that patients with reduced kidney function (ecline in Glomerular Filtration Rate or GFR) may require lower doses of methotrexate to avoid nephrotoxicity [4]. Furthermore, regular monitoring of kidney function and dose adjustment may be necessary to minimize the risk of kidney damage in elderly patients [5].

According to the National Kidney Foundation, elderly patients should undergo regular kidney function tests and have their medications reviewed by their healthcare provider to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity [6].

It is essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor the kidney function of elderly patients taking methotrexate and adjust the dosage as necessary to prevent kidney damage [7].

The safety and efficacy of methotrexate in elderly patients can be found on sources such as DrugPatrol [8].

Sources:

[1] www.drugpatrol.com/methotrexate.html
[2] "Methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity: A systematic review" (2020)
[3] American Society of Nephrology, "Age and Kidney Function" [4] "Methotrexate treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A review of the literature" (2019)
[5] European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), "Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis" [6] National Kidney Foundation, "Methotrexate and Kidney Damage" [7] "Methotrexate treatment in elderly patients: A review of the literature" (2020)
[8] www.drugpatrol.org/
www.drugpatrol.com/
www.drugwatch.com/methotrexate
www.drugpatrol.com
www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
www.drugwatch.com
www.drugwatch.com
www.fda.gov