METHOXSALEN

Indications

Psoriasis, vitiligo, lichen planus, urticaria pigmentosa, atopic dermatitis, Cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

Dosage

Adults: Oral, 600mg/day before UVA exposure given twice a week at least 48 hr interval. Topical: Apply 0.15% preparation 15 min before UVA exposure. Repeat it twice a week.

Contra-Indications

Diseases associated with light sensitivity e.g. porphyria. Aphakia, melanoma or a history of melanoma, invasive squamous cell carcinoma. PUVA therapy in children.

Special Precautions

Hepatic impairement.

Side Effects

Nausea, insomnia, depression, nervousness. Photochemotherapy or PUVA may cause pruritus, mild transient erythema, oedema, dizziness, headache, pigmentation alterations of skin or nails, onycholysis. Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, bronchoconstriction, contact dermatitis. Increased risk of skin cancers.

Drug Interactions

Additive effects with drugs known to cause photosensitisation e.g. anthralin, coal tar or derivatives, griseofulvin, phenothiazines, nalidixic acid, sulfonamides., tetracyclines and thiazide diuretics.