Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Methoxsalen

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Methoxsalen

Methoxsalen is prescribed for the treatment of vitiligo, along with regulated quantities of ultra-violet light or even sunlight. The drug is known to be a psoralen, which is combined with light therapy to treat damaged skin.

This medicine is also prescribed as a repigmenting agent in vitiligo, and used in conjunction with controlled doses of UVA or sunlight. Its symptoms of overdose include nausea, severe burns; follow accepted treatment of severe burns; keep room darkened until reaction subsides (8-24 hours or more).

The drug should not be used if you are allergic to any component present in it. Individuals who have health problems like melanoma and sensitivity to sunlight should also avoid this treatment. Ask your doctor for more information about how the treatment works, before you decide to undergo it. Also provide him with a detailed medical history and a list of medicines that you are currently on.

The drug is generally applied under the guidance of a medical professional. It is generally applied on lesions that can be hidden from sunlight. Because this is a topical lotion, it does not result in side effects in most individuals. However, in some cases it can lead to some serious side effects like sore and reddened skin, blistering and swelling of the skin followed by peeling. If you do experience any skin discomfort, seek medical help immediately.

Methoxsalen also increases the possibilities of developing cancer of the skin, thus details of its risks and benefits should be thoroughly considered with you medical professional before opting for such a treatment.

This medication is used in conjunction with specific ultraviolet treatment. Follow prescriber's directions exactly for oral medication which can be taken with food or milk to reduce nausea. Consult prescriber for specific dietary instructions. Avoid use of any other skin treatments unless approved by prescriber.

Control exposure to direct sunlight as per prescriber's instructions. If sunlight cannot be avoided, use sunblock (consult prescriber for specific SPF level), wear protective clothing and wraparound protective eyewear. Consult prescriber immediately if burning, blistering, or skin irritation occur.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Methoxsalen

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Methoxsalen ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Methoxsalen ?

    • Redness Of Skin

    • Blisters On Skin

    • Edema (Swelling)

    • Itching

    • Pruritus

    • Hypopigmentation

    • Rash

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Methoxsalen

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Is unsafe to use during pregnancy. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk, for example in life-threatening situations. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Methoxsalen

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Methoxsalen as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine is also known as psoralen and is primarily used to treat vitiligo. It causes interference to deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. On activation, Methoxsalen attaches to guanine as well as cytosine moieties of DNA causing a cross-linking of this DNA. In the process, the function and synthesis of DNA are inhibited.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Methoxsalen ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Increased toxicity: Concomitant therapy with other photosensitizing agents such as anthralin, coal tar, griseofulvin, phenothiazines, nalidixic acid, sulfanilamides, tetracyclines, thiazides.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Family history of sunlight allergy or chronic infections; lotion should only be applied under direct supervision of a physician and should not be dispensed to the patient; for use only if inadequate response to other forms of therapy, serious burns may occur from UVA or sunlight even through glass if dose and or exposure schedule is not maintained; some products may contain tartrazine; use caution in patients with hepatic or cardiac disease.
      • Interaction with Food

        To reduce nausea, oral drug can be administered with food or milk or in 2 divided doses 30 minutes apart; avoid furocoumarial-containing foods (limes, figs, parsley, celery, cloves, lemon, mustard, carrots).

      FAQs about Methoxsalen

      • Ques : What is Methoxsalen?

        Ans : Methoxsalen is prescribed for the treatment of vitiligo, along with regulated quantities of ultraviolet light or even sunlight. The drug is known to be a psoralen, which is combined with light therapy to treat damaged skin.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Methoxsalen?

        Ans : Methoxsalen acid used for the treatment of Vitiligo and Psoriasis.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Methoxsalen before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Methoxsalen?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Methoxsalen empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Methoxsalen?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      References

      • Methoxsalen-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/methoxsalen

      • Methoxsalen-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00553

      • METHOXSALEN tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=METHOXSALEN

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      Sir, mai gurmohan singh se dhikha raha hu 1. Ta...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Satyajeet P Pattnaik

      Urologist

      If you are suffering from some lesions on your glans then visit a dermatologist and get clinicall...

      How should I remembering the topics which I hav...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. K V Anand

      Psychologist

      Dear lybrate user. Our brain never forgets anything unless there is any accident or brain degener...

      Hello doctor, I have melasma have tried topical...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Surbhi Agrawal

      General Physician

      As per your query you have hyperpigmentation due to melasma. I would suggest you to :- - Apply br...

      What ointment can be used for stye in the eye a...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Manvinder Kaur

      General Physician

      Treatment of stye includes- warm compress and OTC pain medication. antibiotic cream or antibiotic...

      I read in net that Tugain 5% topical solution c...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sathish Erra

      Homeopath

      Reasons for putting on weight Underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) means ...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner