A rare drug reaction to methotrexate after treatment for ectopic pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2004 May;103(5 Pt 2):1047-8. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000127941.83892.e1.

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancies are commonly diagnosed and treated in physicians' offices. In the hemodynamically stable patient, therapy often includes treatment with methotrexate. Well-known adverse effects of this drug include mucositis, abdominal cramping, and malaise. We report a case of a rare drug reaction after treatment with methotrexate.

Case: A 34-year-old, gravida 2, para 0, at 7 weeks of gestation by last menstrual period was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and treated with methotrexate. The patient had an anaphylactoid reaction shortly after administration of methotrexate.

Conclusion: Methotrexate is a commonly used therapy for ectopic pregnancies in the outpatient setting. Practitioners should be aware of the potential adverse reactions to methotrexate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Methotrexate