Methotrexate can be used in the management of which of the following conditions?

• A. Certain malignancies, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and abortion.
• B. Common cold.
• C. Hypertension.
• D. Diabetes mellitus type 2.

Answer: (A)

Methotrexate is a folate antagonist that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to reduced synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. This makes it effective in conditions with rapidly dividing cells or immune-mediated inflammation. That’s why it’s used for certain cancers and as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It can also terminate early pregnancy by stopping the rapid division of trophoblastic tissue when used with appropriate co-treatment.

The other conditions listed don’t involve rapid cell replication or immune-driven disease that MTX targets, so it isn’t used for the common cold, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes.