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methoxsalen; 8-methoxypsoralen

One of two psoralens available in the US for use in PUVA treatment. Methoxsalen is the most frequently used psoralen with PUVA. Indications: - symptomatic control of severe, recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis in conjunction with UV-A radiation - induction of repigmentation in vitiligo (topical agent) in conjunction with UV-A or sunlight - lichen planus [3] - alopecia areata - mycosis fungoides-Sezary syndrome - cutaneous T-cell lymphoma [3] Dosage: 1) psoriasis: (adults) 10-70 mg PO 1.5-2 hours prior to UV-A exposure, 2-3 times, at least 48 hours apart 2) vitiligo: (adults & children > 12 years of age) a) oral: 20 mg PO 2-4 hours prior to UV-A or sunlight b) topical: apply lotion 1-2 hours prior to UV-A light not more than weekly Capsule: 10 mg Lotion: 1% (30 mL) Adverse effects: 1) common (> 10%) - nausea, itching 2) less common (1-10%) - severe edema, erythema, hypotension, nervousness, vertigo, depression, rash, pruritus, freckling, painful blistering, burning & peeling of skin, hypopigmentation, cheilitis, loss of muscle coordination

Related

oral psoralen & ultraviolet (UV) A light (PUVA)

General

antineoplastic photosensitizing agent psoralen

Database Correlations

PUBCHEM cid=4114

References

  1. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. Gilman et al, eds. Permagon Press/McGraw Hill, 1996 pg 1609
  2. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug Formulary, 1998
  3. Deprecated Reference
  4. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA National Formulary