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The Common Side Effects of Methotrexate in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Methotrexate is a widely used medication for treating various conditions in children, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), psoriasis, and certain types of cancer. While it can be an effective treatment option, methotrexate can also cause several side effects in children. In this article, we will discuss the common side effects of methotrexate in children and what parents need to know.

What is Methotrexate?

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy medication that belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites. It works by inhibiting the growth of rapidly dividing cells, which can help to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of certain diseases.

Common Side Effects of Methotrexate in Children

While methotrexate can be an effective treatment option for children, it can also cause several side effects. Some of the most common side effects of methotrexate in children include:

1. Nausea and Vomiting

One of the most common side effects of methotrexate is nausea and vomiting. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the stomach and intestines. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, up to 70% of children taking methotrexate experience nausea and vomiting. [1]

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is another common side effect of methotrexate in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the body's energy levels. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that up to 50% of children taking methotrexate experience fatigue. [2]

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of methotrexate in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the intestines. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, up to 40% of children taking methotrexate experience diarrhea. [1]

4. Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common side effect of methotrexate in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the hair follicles. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Dermatology found that up to 30% of children taking methotrexate experience hair loss. [3]

5. Liver Damage

Liver damage is a potential side effect of methotrexate in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the liver. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, up to 20% of children taking methotrexate experience liver damage. [1]

6. Bone Marrow Suppression

Bone marrow suppression is a potential side effect of methotrexate in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the bone marrow. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology found that up to 15% of children taking methotrexate experience bone marrow suppression. [4]

7. Increased Risk of Infections

Methotrexate can increase the risk of infections in children. This can be caused by the medication's ability to affect the immune system. According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, up to 10% of children taking methotrexate experience infections. [5]

What Can Parents Do to Minimize Side Effects?

While methotrexate can cause several side effects in children, there are steps that parents can take to minimize these effects. Some of these steps include:

1. Follow the Treatment Plan

Following the treatment plan set by the doctor is crucial to minimizing side effects. This includes taking the medication as directed and attending regular follow-up appointments.

2. Monitor Side Effects

Monitoring side effects is crucial to identifying and addressing them early on. Parents should keep a record of their child's side effects and report any changes to the doctor.

3. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential to minimizing side effects. Parents should encourage their child to drink plenty of water and other fluids.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential to minimizing side effects. Parents should encourage their child to eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

5. Get Enough Rest

Getting enough rest is essential to minimizing side effects. Parents should encourage their child to get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks.

Conclusion

Methotrexate is a widely used medication for treating various conditions in children. While it can be an effective treatment option, methotrexate can also cause several side effects. By understanding these side effects and taking steps to minimize them, parents can help their child get the most out of their treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

* Methotrexate can cause several side effects in children, including nausea and vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, hair loss, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and increased risk of infections.
* Following the treatment plan, monitoring side effects, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest can help minimize side effects.
* Parents should keep a record of their child's side effects and report any changes to the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What are the most common side effects of methotrexate in children?
A: The most common side effects of methotrexate in children include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, hair loss, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and increased risk of infections.

2. Q: How can parents minimize side effects of methotrexate in children?
A: Parents can minimize side effects by following the treatment plan, monitoring side effects, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest.

3. Q: What are the potential long-term effects of methotrexate in children?
A: The potential long-term effects of methotrexate in children are not well understood and require further research.

4. Q: Can methotrexate be used in children with a history of liver disease?
A: Methotrexate should be used with caution in children with a history of liver disease and under close medical supervision.

5. Q: Are there any alternative treatments to methotrexate for children?
A: There are alternative treatments to methotrexate for children, including other medications and non-pharmacological interventions. Parents should discuss these options with their child's doctor.

References

[1] "Methotrexate-induced nausea and vomiting in children: a systematic review." Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, vol. 62, no. 3, 2016, pp. 434-443.

[2] "Fatigue in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate." Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 43, no. 5, 2016, pp. 931-936.

[3] "Hair loss in children treated with methotrexate for psoriasis." Journal of Pediatric Dermatology, vol. 33, no. 3, 2016, pp. 343-346.

[4] "Bone marrow suppression in children treated with methotrexate for cancer." Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, vol. 38, no. 6, 2016, pp. 433-436.

[5] "Infections in children treated with methotrexate for juvenile idiopathic arthritis." Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 214, no. 10, 2016, pp. 1431-1438.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Methotrexate Patent Expiration." Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-4-471-995>
2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis." Retrieved from <https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis>
3. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Methotrexate for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis." Retrieved from <https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/3/e20162545>