Trioxsalen
About
Trioxsalen belongs to a class of medicines called 'photosensitizer', which are used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes). This can result in discoloured patches in different areas of the body, including the skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
Trioxsalen contains “trioxsalen”, which is a photosensitive medication used along with UV-A rays. In psoriasis, it works by reducing the overproduction of skin cells. In vitiligo, it activates certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps re-pigment the discoloured, white patches.
Trioxsalen is an external preparation. Do not consume it. In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical help. Use it as advised by your physician. Do not apply in larger or smaller amounts than recommended. You may have common side effects like erythema (skin redness), blisters on the skin, edema (swelling), and itching. These side effects resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist, stop using it and consult your doctor.
Trioxsalen should not be used if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you are using any topical medicines other than this medicine and if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. It should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to sunlight, porphyria, heart disease, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus condition.
Uses of Trioxsalen
Medicinal Benefits
Trioxsalen belongs to a class of medicines called 'photosensitizer' used along with UV-A rays. This medicine is used for the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. In psoriasis, it works by reducing the overproduction of skin cells. In vitiligo, it activates certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps re-pigment the discoloured, white patches. It is also used for the treatment of seborrhea (a common skin problem it causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called dandruff) and ichthyosis (an inherited skin disorder in which dead skin cells accumulate in thick, dry scales on your skin's surface).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trioxsalen
- Itching
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Blistering and peeling of skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Trioxsalen should not be applied if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you are using any medicines other than Trioxsalen and if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. It should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to sunlight, porphyria, heart disease, liver diseases, stomach problems, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus condition. It should be used with caution if you have recently had x-rays or cancer treatments or if you plan to have x-rays in the near future, because it may raise your risk of skin cancer.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Trioxsalen may interact with many topical medicines. Hence let your doctor know about all your current medication history.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Trioxsalen should not be given to the people with porphyria, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Trioxsalen will interact with alcohol. Consult your doctor in case of concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionTrioxsalen belongs to FDA Category C (Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus in pregnancy). Although it is a topical preparation, it should be used by discussing the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionTrioxsalen should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Although it is a topical preparation, it should be used by discussing the risks and benefits of this medicine with your physician.
Driving
not applicableTrioxsalen does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionTrioxsalen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Hence, use it as advised by your physician.
Kidney
cautionTrioxsalen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Hence, use it as advised by your physician.
Children
consult your doctorTrioxsalen should be used in children below 12 years of age only if prescribed by your paediatrician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume fruits and veggies, cherries and leafy greens.
- Take salmon, sardines and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Take antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like thyme, sage, cumin and ginger.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and quit smoking.
- Maintain a proper diet and exercise.
- Avoid taking blueberries, citrus, coffee, curds, fruit juice, and gooseberries.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear, like boxers or boy shorts. Tight clothes rub on sensitive skin and can make symptoms flare up.
- Choose natural fabrics/clothes made from cotton or silk that are kinder to your skin than synthetics.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) auto-immune disorder. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Common signs and symptoms include red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, small scaling spots (commonly seen in children), dry/cracked skin that may bleed or itch, itching, burning or soreness, thickened, pitted or ridged nails, swollen and stiff joints.
Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease that causes loss of skin colour in patches. The discoloured areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect the hair and the inside of the mouth. Symptoms include patchy loss of skin colour ( which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals), premature whitening or greying of the hair (on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard), loss of colour in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth and nose (mucous membranes). Causes of vitiligo are family history (heredity) and a trigger event such (as stress, severe sunburn or skin trauma).
FAQs
Trioxsalen in psoriasis, it works by reducing the overproduction of skin cells. In vitiligo, it activates certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps re-pigment the discoloured, white patches.
Trioxsalen should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to sunlight, porphyria, heart disease, liver diseases, stomach problems, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus condition.
Yes, Trioxsalen may cause vision problems. To overcome vision problems, periodically consult your eye physician.
