Methoxsalen G.L. Pharma

Methoxsalen, the active ingredient in Methoxsalen G.L. Pharma, is a psoralen (furocoumarin) presented as a pharmaceutical preparation for extracorporeal use. It is employed in photochemotherapy to treat vitiligo and psoriasis in patients requiring controlled UVA exposure.

GNH USA supplies Methoxsalen G.L. Pharma as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Methoxsalen is used in photochemotherapy for disorders of skin pigmentation and proliferation.

- Vitiligo: promotes repigmentation of depigmented skin areas when combined with UVA therapy. - Psoriasis: reduces plaque formation and scaling through controlled UV‑A exposure. - PUVA therapy: acts as the photosensitising agent that enables UVA to exert therapeutic effects.

Methoxsalen may cause a range of adverse reactions, ranging from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach. - Headache: transient cranial discomfort. - Erythema: redness of skin at treated sites. - Pruritus: itching following UVA exposure. - Phototoxic reactions: heightened skin sensitivity to light. - Vomiting: occasional emesis after dosing.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe phototoxic burns: extensive skin injury after UVA. - Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations. - Hemolytic anemia: destruction of red blood cells, especially in G6PD deficiency. - Bone marrow suppression: reduced blood cell production. - Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms in susceptible individuals. - Severe nausea/vomiting: persistent gastrointestinal distress requiring medical attention.

Methoxsalen requires careful patient assessment and monitoring before and during therapy.

- Pregnancy: avoid use unless benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. - Breastfeeding: contraindicated due to unknown excretion in milk. - Contraindications: do not use in patients with porphyria or systemic lupus erythematosus. - UV exposure: limit uncontrolled sunlight to prevent unexpected phototoxicity. - Liver function: monitor hepatic enzymes regularly during treatment. - Store at below 25°C: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct light.

Methoxsalen can interact with other medications, altering its safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Azathioprine: increased risk of bone marrow suppression. - Oral retinoids (e.g., acitretin): heightened phototoxicity. - Other photosensitising agents: additive skin sensitivity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Antifungal agents (e.g., itraconazole): may affect methoxsalen metabolism. - Hormonal contraceptives: potential reduction in contraceptive efficacy.