[How to effectively use methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis?].

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first choice disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of its generalized use by rheumatologists worldwide, there is a general lack of agreement regarding the route of administration, the start-up dose and the way to increase the same. In this article we propose a simplified outline for the use of the drug that should be individualized, based on it's pharmacological aspects, guidelines and recommendations published in high impact factor journals during the past few years. Adverse reactions and side effects, as well as their follow up are also reviewed.