Description
Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring furocoumarin compound used for the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. Each solution contains 1% of Methoxsalen as its active ingredient.
Drug = Methoxsalen
Strength = 1%
How to use
Before exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light sources, wash the area to be treated with soap and water. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing over the area. Use at the same time each day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Use only the prescribed amount.
Dosage of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 1%Soln Solution
Psoriasis:
Adult: As a 0.15% solution (diluted to 0.015%, if necessary): Apply to affected areas 15 minutes before UVA exposure. Alternatively, a patient may take a whole body bath in the methoxsalen solution for 15 minutes, followed by immediate UVA exposure. For treating affected areas, immerse the affected areas for 15 minutes into 3 mg/L soln of hand and foot soaks followed by a 30-minutes delay before UVA exposure. Baths or soaks are given twice weekly.
Repigmentation of vitiliginous areas:
Adult: As 1% solution (diluted to 0.1-0.01%): Apply over lesions, then expose to UVA immediately after application or wait up to 2 hours. Protect the area surrounding the lesion with a sunscreen. Wash and protect lesions from light after treatment; protection may be up to ≥48 hours. Treatment is usually repeated once weekly. Substantial repigmentation usually requires 6-9 months of treatment.
Missed Dose of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 1%Soln Solution
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember and resume the regular dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose under any circumstances.
Overdose of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 1%Soln Solution
If you have used Methoxsalen more than the prescribed dose, seek immediate medical help.
Symptoms of overdose include the following:
- Severe burning and blistering of the skin
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Methoxsalen
- Existing or history of melanoma
- Invasive squamous cell carcinoma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
Side Effects
Methoxsalen may have the following side effects:
- Transient redness and itchiness
- Headache/dizziness
- Altered skin or nail pigmentation
- Premature skin aging
- Severe burns
- Hypertrichosis
Potentially Fatal:
- Increased risk of malignant cutaneous neoplasms
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- Anthralin
- Coal tar
- Nalidixic acid
Inform your physician of the medicartions
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methoxsalen.
How Does It Work?
Methoxsalen works as a photoactive substance in the presence of ultraviolet irradiation. It bonds covalently to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and suppressing cell division and epidermal turnover. It increases skin reactivity to long-wavelength UV rays.
Uses
Methoxsalen is used to treat the following conditions:
- Repigmentation of vitiliginous areas
- Psoriasis
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- A patient with basal cell carcinoma
- Previous x-ray or Grenz ray therapy
- Cardiac diseases or those unable to tolerate prolonged standing or exposure to heat stress
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Chronic infection
- Hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Storage Conditions
- Store between 15-30°C and protected from light.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Methoxsalen that is expired or out of date.
