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Methoxsalen

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; 8MOP, Oxsoralen, Oxsoralen Ultra, Uvadex

    • Antifungals, Topical; 
    • Antipsoriatics, Systemic; 
    • Antipsoriatics, Topical; 
    • Psoralens

    Photosensitizing agent
    Used for the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in conjunction with photopheresis (as a solution for extracorporeal administration); soft gelatin capsules in conjunction with ultraviolet radiation used for the symptomatic control of psoriasis
    Patients should avoid UV or sunlight exposure during and for 24 hours after therapy

    Indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
    For the treatment of idiopathic vitiligo (in conjunction with UVA).
    For the treatment of severe, recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy and is diagnosed by biopsy; alopecia areata; atopic dermatitis; eczema; lichen planus; and for increased tolerance of skin to sunlight.

    Hypersensitivity to psoralen compounds

    Photosensitive disease states (SLE, etc.), history of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), aphakia

    • Mild-moderate erythema x 24-48 hrs
    • Nausea
    • Pruritis
    • Edema
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Malaise
    • Depression
    • Hypopigmentation
    • Bullae formation
    • Rash
    • Herpes simplex
    • Uritcaria
    • GI disturbances
    • Leg cramps
    • Hypotension
    • Extension of psoriasis

    May contain sulfites that may cause allergic-type reactions

    May cause skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis

    Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight

    Limit application to areas no larger than arms, hands, face, and neck

    Do not apply near eyes or mucous membranes, to cut, abraded, or sunburned skin, after shaving or using a depilatory agent; or over miliaria rubra (prickly heat)

    Individuals with sensitive skin may experience temporary burning/stinging sensation

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: not known whether excreted in breast milk; use caution

    Adults

    For vitiligo, 0.6 mg/kg PO qod; For psoriasis, 20 mg PO qod for patients < 30 kg, 30 mg PO qod for patients 30—50 kg, 40 mg PO qod for patients 51—65 kg, 50 mg PO qod for patients 66—80 kg, 60 mg PO qod for patients 81—90 kg, 70 mg PO qod for patients 91—115 kg, and 80 mg PO qod for patients > 115 kg for either hard gelatin capsules or soft gelatin capsules; Maximum dosage limits not established for topical therapy.

    Elderly

    For vitiligo, 0.6 mg/kg PO qod; For psoriasis, 20 mg PO qod for patients < 30 kg, 30 mg PO qod for patients 30—50 kg, 40 mg PO qod for patients 51—65 kg, 50 mg PO qod for patients 66—80 kg, 60 mg PO qod for patients 81—90 kg, 70 mg PO qod for patients 91—115 kg, and 80 mg PO qod for patients > 115 kg for either hard gelatin capsules or soft gelatin capsules; Maximum dosage limits not established for topical therapy.

    Adolescents

    Maximum dosage limits not established for topical therapy; systemic treatment is not recommended.

    Children

    Not recommended.

    Infants

    Not recommended.

    Methoxsalen

    capsule

    • 10mg

    soft capsule

    • 10mg

    lotion

    • 1%

    solution for injection

    • 20mcg/mL (10mL vial)