Description
Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring furocoumarin compound used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. Each tablet contains 10 mg of Methoxsalen as its active ingredient.
Drug = Methoxsalen
Strength = 10 mg
Contains 40 tablets
How To Take
This medicine should be taken with food. Take with meals or with a glass of milk before the light radiation therapy.
Try to take it at the same time each day. It must be taken regularly for it to be effective.
Take exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Dosage of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 10 mg Tablet
Adult: Repigmentation of vitiliginous areas: 20 mg or up to 600 mcg/kg 2-4 hours before measured periods of UVA exposure, given twice weekly or on alternate days, with at least 48-hr intervals.
Psoriasis: Up to approximately 600 mcg/kg, 1.5-3 hours before UVA exposure twice weekly or increased as necessary, with at least 48-hr intervals between doses; may increase to 10 mg if no or minimal response after the 15th PUVA treatment.
Missed Dose of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 10 mg Tablet
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose of Methoxsalen (Melanocyl) 10 mg Tablet
If you think you may have used Methoxsalen more than the usual dose, please immediately seek medical help.
Signs of overdose may include the following:
- Severe burning
- Blistering of skin
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Methoxsalen:
- Aphakia
- Existing or history of melanoma
- Invasive squamous cell carcinoma
- Porphyria
- Acute Lupus Erythematosus
- Xeroderma pigmentosum
Side Effects
Methoxsalen may have the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Depression
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- Anthralin
- Coal tar
- Nalidixic acid
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 A 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 exhibiting multiple basal cell carcinoma or a history of basal cell carcinoma
- Previous arsenic therapy
- 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
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid furocoumarin containing limes, figs, parsley, celery, cloves, lemon, mustard, and carrots.
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.
