Methotrexate is best described as which type of drug?

Methotrexate is best described as which type of drug?

• A. Antibiotic
• B. Antimetabolite
• C. Immunoglobulin
• D. Anticoagulant

Answer: (B)

Antimetabolites are drugs that resemble the normal building blocks cells use to make DNA, thereby blocking nucleotide synthesis and stopping cell division. Methotrexate acts as a folate analog that inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, lowering tetrahydrofolate levels and reducing the production of thymidylate and purines needed for DNA replication. This disruption of DNA synthesis is especially effective against rapidly dividing cells, which is why methotrexate is used in cancer therapy and certain autoimmune conditions. It’s not an antibiotic, an immunoglobulin, or an anticoagulant.

Antimetabolites are drugs that resemble the normal building blocks cells use to make DNA, thereby blocking nucleotide synthesis and stopping cell division. Methotrexate acts as a folate analog that inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, lowering tetrahydrofolate levels and reducing the production of thymidylate and purines needed for DNA replication. This disruption of DNA synthesis is especially effective against rapidly dividing cells, which is why methotrexate is used in cancer therapy and certain autoimmune conditions. It’s not an antibiotic, an immunoglobulin, or an anticoagulant.