Methotrexate is best described as which type of rheumatoid arthritis medication?

• A. A corticosteroid
• B. A biologic DMARD
• C. An NSAID
• D. A DMARD with anti-metabolite properties

Answer: (D)

Methotrexate is best described as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug with anti-metabolite properties. As a conventional synthetic DMARD, it works by interfering with folate metabolism, which reduces the proliferation of immune cells and dampens the inflammatory processes in the joint that drive rheumatoid arthritis. This disease-modifying action sets it apart from corticosteroids, which mainly provide short-term anti-inflammatory relief but don’t alter the long-term disease course; from biologic DMARDs, which are large molecules targeting specific immune pathways and are usually given by injection; and from NSAIDs, which primarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation without altering disease progression. So, methotrexate fits the category of a DMARD with anti-metabolite effects.