The drug/s of wwhich you speak are called Psoralens of which
Methoxsalen (8-Methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP)is the major.
PSORALENS
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
METHOXSALEN
Methoxsalen Lotion (Topical)
Oxsoralen
Oxsoralen-Ultra
Oxsoralen (Topical)
TRIOXSALEN
Trisoralen
UltraMOP
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Repigmenting agent (psoralen)
USES
Repigmenting skin affected with vitiligo (absence of skin
pigment).
Treatment for psoriasis, when other treatments haven't
helped.
Treatment for mycosis fungoides.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take: or apply:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen
stomach irritation.
Topical--As directed by doctor. When to take: or apply: 2
to 4 hours before exposure to sunlight or sunlamp. If you
forget a dose: Take as soon as you remember. Delay sun
exposure for at least 2 hours after taking. What drug does:
Helps pigment cells when used in conjunction with ultraviolet
light.
Time lapse before drug works:
For vitiligo, 6 to 9 months.
For psoriasis, 10 weeks or longer.
NOT TO BE TAKEN WITH:
Any other medicine which causes skin sensitivity to sun.
Ask pharmacist.
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as
cough and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS: Blistering skin, swelling feet and legs.
WHAT TO DO: Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If child takes
much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor,
poison-control center or hospital emergency room for
instructions.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE
EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Always:
Increased skin Always protect from sensitivity to sun.
overexposure.
Increased eye Always protect with sensitivity to
wrap-around sunlight. sunglasses. Infrequent: None expected.
Rare: Hepatitis with jaundice, Discontinue. Call blistering and
peeling. doctor right away.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any other psoralen.
You are unwilling or unable to remain under close medical
supervision.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have heart or liver disease.
If you have allergy to sunlight.
If you have cataracts.
If you have albinism.
If you have lupus erythematosis, porphyria, chronic
infection, skin cancer or peptic ulcer.
If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia. Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Infants & children: Don't give to infants or young children
unless prescribed and monitored by your physician.
Prolonged use: Increased chance of toxic effects. Skin &
sunlight: Too much can burn skin. Cover skin for 24 hours
before and 8 hours following treatments.
Driving or hazardous activities:
No age-related problems expected. Protect eyes and skin
from
bright light.
Discontinuing:
Skin may remain sensitive for some time after treatment
stops.
Use extra protection from sun.
Others:
Use sunblock on lips.
Don't use just to make skin tan.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER
DRUGS
Any medicine
Greatly increased
causing sensitization
likelihood of
to sunlight, such as:
extreme sensitivity
acetohexamide,
to sunlight.
amitriptyline,
anthralin,
barbiturates,
bendroflumethiazide,
carbamazepine,
chlordiazepoxide,
chloroquine,
chlorothiazide,
chloropromazine,
chloropropamide,
chlortetracycline,
chlorthalidone,
clindamycin, coal tar
derivatives,
cyproheptadine,
demeclocycline,
desipramine,
diethylstilbrestrol,
diphenhydramine,
doxepin, doxycycline,
estrogen,
fluphenazine, gold
preparations, glyburide,
griseofulvin,
hydrochlorothiazide,
hydroflumethiazide,
imipramine,
lincomycin,
mesoridazine,
methacycline,
nalidixic acid,
nortriptyline, oral
contraceptives,
oxyphenbutazone,
oxytetracycline,
perphenazine,
phenobarbital,
phenylbutazone,
phenytoin,
prochlorperazine,
promazine,
promethazine,
protriptyline,
pyrazinamide,
sulfonamides,
tetracycline,
thioridazine,
thiazide diuretics,
tolazamide, tolbutamide,
tranylcypromine,
triamterene,
trifluoperazine,
trimeprazine,
trimipramine,
triprolidine.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER
SUBSTANCES
Tobacco:
May cause uneven absorption of
medicine. Avoid.