Methoxsalen
About
Methoxsalen belongs to the class of medicines called psoralens primarily used to treat psoriasis (scaly, itchy, and red patches on the skin), or vitiligo (discoloured patches in different areas of the body, including the skin, hair). Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, nontransmissible, deactivating and damaging disease. Psoriasis can also be caused by internal and external activates, including sunburn, mild trauma, systemic drugs, infections, and stress. Vitiligo is a disorder in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, (cells that produce the colour), melanin that gives skin colour.
Methoxsalen contains methoxsalen, that is used alongside ultraviolet-A radiation. It works by reducing the number of cells the skin makes.
Take Methoxsalen as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Methoxsalen for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience erythema (skin redness), oedema (swelling), blisters on the skin, and itching. Most of these side effects of Methoxsalen do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before starting Methoxsalen, please inform your doctor if you have any allergies, history of skin cancer, eye disorder, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or skin pigment disorder. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and breastfeeding.
Uses of Methoxsalen
Medicinal Benefits
Methoxsalen contains methoxsalen, which is a local acting drug. It is primarily used in the treatment of psoriasis (scaly, itchy, and red patches on the skin), or vitiligo (discoloured patches in different areas of the body, including the skin, hair). Methoxsalen is an organic compound and a local acting drug. It is used alongside ultraviolet-A radiation. It works by reducing the number of cells the skin makes.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Methoxsalen
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Oedema (swelling)
- Blisters on the skin
- Itching
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor before using Methoxsalen, if you have previously had an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). Before starting Methoxsalen, please inform your doctor if you have any history of skin cancer, eye disorder, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or skin pigment disorder. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. If there is an overdose, you may be trained to stay in a dark room for 24 hours and make yourself vomit.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Methoxsalen may interact with antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), antiviral (lopinavir, ritonavir), medicines used for lowering the level of cholesterol (rosuvastatin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid eating or arriving in contact with limes, figs, mustard, and carrots.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Methoxsalen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, skin cancer, heart disease, sunburn, and aphakia (absence of lens in eyes).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Methoxsalen to avoid unpleasant side effects. Alcohol can make you dizzier.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Methoxsalen taken orally will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not safe to use Methoxsalen for breastfeeding mothers. Always ask your doctor because it causes risks to the baby.
Driving
unsafeMethoxsalen usually causes dizziness and affects driving ability. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely.
Liver
cautionMethoxsalen to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionMethoxsalen to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeThis Methoxsalen is not recommended for children below 12 years. Therefore, it is not safe for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid sunlight exposure for 24 hours before taking Methoxsalen. Wear UVA-absorbing, and cover exposed skin, wrap-around sunglasses, or use sunblock for the twenty-four-hour period after treatment with Methoxsalen.
- Use extra caution for at least 48 hours after each treatment. Cover your skin for at least 8 hours by wearing protective clothing after each treatment,
- Do not increase the quantity of Methoxsalen if you are taking or use additional time under an ultraviolet lamp or in the sunlight.
Special Advise
- You will need to have an eye check-up before starting Methoxsalen and also once a year afterwards.
- Avoid sunlight on your lips or skin for at least 8 hours after taking Methoxsalen.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: It is a chronic, painful, nontransmissible, deactivating, and damaging disease. It can happen at any age and is most common in the age group 50 to 69. Psoriasis can also be caused by internal and external activates, including sunburn, mild trauma, systemic drugs, infections, and stress. Psoriasis involves the nails and skin and is related to a number of comorbidities. Skin wounds are generalized or localized, mostly balanced, red pimples and plaques, sharply established, and usually covered with silver or white scales. Injuries cause harshness, itching, and pain.
Vitiligo: It is a disorder in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, (cells that produce the colour), melanin that gives the colour of skin. The hair that develops in regions affected by vitiligo may also turn white. People with vitiligo must protect their skin from contact with the sun.
FAQs
Methoxsalen works by altering the way by which cells of the skin receive the ultraviolet light A (UVA) radiation, thus clearing up the disease.
Immediately contact your doctor if you did not takeMethoxsalen at the correct time. You may need to reschedule.
Avoid contact with artificial UV rays or sunlight other than your scheduled light treatment.
