Methoxsalen Topical Solution USP

Methoxsalen Topical Solution USP

Methoxsalen is a part of the psoralens class of drugs that is mostly used in treating psoriasis (red, itchy, and scaly skin patches), or vitiligo (discolored patches on various parts of the body, including hair and skin). Psoriasis is an autoimmune, inflammatory, deactivating, and disabling disease that is not transmissible. Psoriasis can be initiated by internal and external triggers such as sunburn, mild trauma, systemic medication, infections, and stress. Vitiligo is a condition where the skin whitens as a result of a loss of pigment from the melanocytes, (melanin-producing cells), melanin responsible for skin color. Methoxsalen has methoxsalen in it, which is used together with ultraviolet-A light. It is effective in cutting the number of cells the skin produces.

Medical Benefits:-

Methoxsalen has the active component methoxsalen, a local-acting drug. It is mostly applied in the case of psoriasis (scaly, itchy, and red patches on the skin), or vitiligo (discolored patches in various parts of the body, such as the skin, and hair). Methoxsalen is an organic drug and locally acting. It is administered in combination with ultraviolet-A radiation. It functions by decreasing the number of cells that the skin produces. Before taking Methoxsalen, kindly let your physician know in case you have any allergies, skin cancer history, eye condition, heart problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or skin pigment disorder.

What is Methoxsalen used for?

Methoxsalen is used also with ultraviolet light (which occurs in sunlight and certain special lamps) in a treatment to cure vitiligo (a condition where skin pigmentation is lost), and psoriasis (a skin disease that involves red, scaly patches), and for the treatment of white blood cells (photopheresis) and is utilized for the treatment of the skin diseases that occur in mycosis fungoides, which is a form of lymphoma.

Side Effects:-

• Insomnia
• Severe burns from overexposure to sunlight
• Nausea
• Blisters
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Dry or itchy skin

Precautions:-

• Use this Drug (methoxsalen and UVA) two or three times a week with the treatment at least forty-eight hours apart.
• Take this drug by mouth with food or milk, typically 2 to 4 hours before your UVA light treatment.
• Avoid sunbathing for 24 hours before methoxsalen administration. Use UVA-absorbing, wrap-around sunglasses and cover exposed skin or apply a sunblock (SP 15 or greater) for the twenty-four (24) hour period after treatment with methoxsalen.
• Be extra careful for at least 48 hours after each treatment. Cover your skin for at least 8 hours after each treatment by using protective clothing.
• Do not raise the dose of methoxsalen if you are on or spend more time in sunlight or under a lamp containing ultraviolet light.
• Do not drive or use machines because methoxsalen can cause dizziness.
• Do not use this drug on children who are under 12 years of age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):-

Q. What is Methoxsalen for?

Methoxsalen is used in the treatment of psoriasis (reddish, itchy, and scaly skin patches) and vitiligo (spots with discoloration in varying regions of the body, skin, and hair).

Q. How do I take Methoxsalen?

Methoxsalen affects how skin cells absorb ultraviolet light A (UVA) radiation to make the disease disappear.

Q. What do I do if I miss using Methoxsalen lotion?

Contact your doctor at once if you failed to use Methoxsalen lotion at the right time. You might have to reschedule.

Q. What are the side effects of Methoxsalen?

Side effects of Methoxsalen that occur with frequency are skin erythema (redness), edema (swelling), skin blisters, and itching. If these side effects become long-lasting, please let your doctor know.