Methoxsalen Pharmacology

Methoxsalen

About Methoxsalen
Topical Psoralen ,Photosensitizing agent, Antipsoriatic.
Mechanism of Action of Methoxsalen
Methoxsalen is 8-methoxy-psoralen. Methoxsalen selectively inhibits the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). At high concentrations it suppresses cellular RNA and protein.
It binds preferentially to the guanine and cytosine moieties of DNA, leading to cross-linking of DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis and DNA function. Methoxsalen, upon photoactivation, conjugates and forms covalent bonds with DNA which leads to the formation of both monofunctional (addition to a single strand of DNA) and bifunctional adducts (cross linking of Psoralen to both strands of DNA). Reactions with proteins have also been described.
PUVA promotes melanogenesis in normal skin. It increases pigmentation from transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes.
Pharmacokinets of Methoxsalen
Absorption: Methoxsalen is rapidly absorbed after oral administration
Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body in highly protein bound form.
Metabolism: Methoxsalen is metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Metabolites are excreted in the urine
Onset of Action for Methoxsalen
N/A
Duration of Action for Methoxsalen
N/A
Half Life of Methoxsalen
N/A
Side Effects of Methoxsalen
1.Nausea
2.Abdominal discomfort
3.Diarrhoea
4.Headache
5.Dizziness
6.Nervousness
7.Peeling
8.Itching
9.Blistering
10.Erythema
11.Photosensitivity reactions
12.Insomnia
13.Leg cramps
14.Burns
Contra-indications of Methoxsalen
1.Hypersensitivity to Methoxsalen.
2.Photosensitivity includes lupus erythematosus,Porphyria cutanea tarda,erythropoietic proto porphyria,Xeroderma pigmentosum.
3.Aphakia.
4.Invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
5.Albinism.
6.History of melanoma
7.Jaundice
Special Precautions while taking Methoxsalen
1.Hepatic impairment
2.History of sunlight allergy
3.Gastrointestinal diseases
4.Avoid contact with eye lids, lips, genitals
5.Avoid exposure to sunlight, artificial UV emission
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated.
Children Related Information
Below 12 years: contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Methoxsalen
1.Vitiligo
2.Psoriasis
3.Cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Interactions for Methoxsalen
Ultraviolet light & overexposure to sunlight: May result in severe burns.
Drugs known to cause photosensitation - Griseofulvin, phenothiazines, nalidixic acid, halogenated salicylanilides, tetracyclines, thiazides: Special care should be excercised in treating patients who are taking these drugs.
Typical Dosage for Methoxsalen
Oral:
Psoriasis, Vitiligo: 600 mcg/kg to be taken 2-4 hours before exposure to UV light for 2 times a week (minimum 2 days interval between the doses)
Topical: 1% Methoxsalen and its diluted solutions are used.
Schedule of Methoxsalen
N/A
Storage Requirements for Methoxsalen
Store the drug at well closed, light resistant container at room temperature (15 - 30 degree C)
Effects of Missed Dosage of Methoxsalen
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Methoxsalen
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Acute oral overdose can be treated with gastric lavage. The patient should be kept in a darkened room for at least 1 day.

Home Delivery for Methoxsalen in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including methoxsalen.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for methoxsalen and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for methoxsalen may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take methoxsalen only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for methoxsalen before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for methoxsalen with the pharmacy.

Methoxsalen is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for methoxsalen might be better known than methoxsalen itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have methoxsalen in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for methoxsalen.