What is methoxsalen used to treat?
Methoxsalen belongs to the group of medicines called psoralens. It is used along with ultraviolet light (found in sunlight and some special lamps) in a treatment called PUVA to treat vitiligo, a disease in which skin color is lost, and psoriasis, a skin condition associated with red and scaly patches.
How do you use methoxsalen lotion?
Dosing
- Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Apply to the affected area of the skin and allow to dry for one to two minutes, then apply again within two to two and one-half hours before UVA exposure.
- Children under 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
What are the side effects of methoxsalen?
Common side effects of 8-MOP include:
- nausea.
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- depression.
- nervousness.
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- cold sores.
- headache.
- dizziness.
When should I take methoxsalen?
Adults and children 12 years of age and over—20 milligrams (mg) per day taken two to four hours before ultraviolet light A (UVA) exposure. This treatment (methoxsalen and UVA) is given two or three times a week with the treatment spaced at least forty-eight hours apart.
How do you take methoxsalen?
Take this medication by mouth with low fat food or milk, usually 90 minutes to 2 hours before your UVA light treatment or as directed by your doctor. Taking methoxsalen with food helps to increase absorption of the medication and also decreases nausea.
Is methoxsalen carcinogenic?
Methoxsalen plus UVA radiation is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
What can I use for vitiligo?
Light therapy. Phototherapy with narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) has been shown to stop or slow the progression of active vitiligo. It might be more effective when used with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. You’ll need therapy two to three times a week.
Which ointment is best for vitiligo?
Steroid creams Moderate to high strength topical steroids are usually the best option for people whose vitiligo doesn’t involve the face. Examples include fluticasone (Cutivate) or mometasone (Elocon) — which can be used once a day for 3 to 6 months.
Is methoxsalen natural?
Methoxsalen (UVADEX) is a naturally occurring photoactive substance found in the seed of the Ammi majus plant and belongs to a class of compounds known as psoralens.
Where is methoxsalen from?
Natural sources. In 1947, methoxsalen was isolated (under the name “ammoidin”) from the plant Ammi majus, bishop’s weed. In 1970, Nielsen extracted 8-methoxypsoralen from four species of the genus Heracleum in the carrot family Apiaceae, including Heracleum mantegazzianum and Heracleum sphondylium.
What is psoralen used for?
Psoralens are used together with UV light to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. They are also being studied in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease. Psoralen is a type of furocoumarin.