Use of MTX in the elderly and in patients with compromised renal function
Morgacheva, O.; Furst, D.E.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 28(5 Suppl 61: S85-S94
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 21044439 Document Number: 640738
The absorption and distribution of MTX are unchanged in the elderly compared to younger RA patients, while both metabolism and renal/biliary excretion of MTX may be affected by age and should be considered when using this drug. Neither haemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis effectively clears MTX, although high-flux dialysis may prove to be effective. The efficacy of MTX is equivalent in the young and elderly. The adverse event profile reveals a higher frequency of GI, lower and haematological toxicity in older patents, although the overall profile is not qualitatively different.