Psoralen Pharmacology

Psoralen

About Psoralen
Furocoumarin derivative, Photosensitizing agent, Antipsoriatic,anti vitiligo.
Mechanism of Action of Psoralen
Psoralen selectively inhibits the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). At high concentrations it suppresses cellular RNA and protein.It binds preferentially to the guanine and cytosine moieties of DNA,leading to cross-linking of DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis and DNA function. Psoralen upon photoactivation, conjugates and forms covalent bonds with DNA which leads to the formation of both monofunctional (addition to a single strand of DNA) and bifunctional adducts (cross linking of Psoralen to both strands of DNA). PUVA promotes melanogenesis in normal skin. It increases pigmentation from transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes.


Pharmacokinets of Psoralen
Absorption: Psoralen is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body in highly protein bound form.Metabolism: Psoralen is metabolised in the liver.Excretion: Metabolites are excreted in the urine.


Onset of Action for Psoralen
N/A
Duration of Action for Psoralen
N/A
Half Life of Psoralen
N/A
Side Effects of Psoralen
1. Peeling
2. Itching
3. Blistering
4. Redness
5. Headache
6. Nausea
7. Burns.
8. Vomiting
9. Vertigo
10.Erythema
11.Photosensitivity reactions
12.Nausea
13.Abdominal discomfort
14.Diarrhoea
15.Headache
16.Dizziness
17.Nervousness


Contra-indications of Psoralen
1. Hypersensitivity to Psoralen
2. Photosensitivity includes lupus erythematosus, Porphyria cutanea tarda, erythropoietic proto porphyria and Xeroderma pigmentosum
3. Jaundice

Special Precautions while taking Psoralen
1. History of sunlight allergy
2. Avoid contact with eye lids, lips, genitals
3. Avoid exposure to sunlight, artificial UV emission
4. Avoid concomitant use of known photosensitizing agents
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Below 12 years : Contraindicated
NEONATES : Contraindicated
Indications for Psoralen
1. Vitiligo
2. Psoriasis
3. Atopic eczema
4. Mycosis fungoides
5. Alopecia aerata
6. Leucoderma
Interactions for Psoralen
N/A
Typical Dosage for Psoralen
Oral:
Psoriasis, Vitiligo: 600-700 mcg/kg to be taken 1-2hours before exposure to UV light for 2 -3times a week (minimum 2 days interval between the doses)
Psoralen may also be used in a form that can be put into bath water. This form causes greater sensitivity to UVA than the oral medication, so lower doses of UVA can be used



Schedule of Psoralen
N/A
Storage Requirements for Psoralen
Store the drug at well closed, light resistant container at room temperature (15 - 30 degree C)
Effects of Missed Dosage of Psoralen
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Psoralen
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Acute oral overdose can be treated with gastric lavage. The patient should be kept in a darkened room for at least 1 day.

Home Delivery for Psoralen in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including psoralen.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for psoralen and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for psoralen may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take psoralen only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for psoralen before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for psoralen with the pharmacy.

Psoralen is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for psoralen might be better known than psoralen itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have psoralen in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for psoralen.