Methoxsalen

Adults: Dosage Methoxsalen capsules:Vitiligo therapy: Two Methoxsalen capsules (10 mg each) in one dose taken with milk or food two to four hours before ultraviolet light exposure.Light exposure: The exposure time to sunlight should comply with the following guide: Initial exposure: Light-15 min, Medium-20 min, Dark-25 min Second exposure: Light-20 min, Medium-25 min, Dark-30 min Third exposure: Light-25 min, Medium-30 min, Dark-35 min Fourth exposure: Light-30 min, Medium-35 min, Dark-40 min Subsequent exposure: Gradually increase exposure based on erythema and tenderness of the amelanotic skin. Therapy should be on alternate days and never two consecutive days.Psoriasis therapy: The Methoxsalen capsules should be taken 2 hours before UVA exposure with some food or milk, according to the following table: <30 kg body weight: 10 mg 30-50 kg body weight: 20 mg 51-65 kg body weight: 30 mg 66-80 kg body weight: 40 mg 81-90 kg body weight: 50 mg 91-115 kg body weight: 60 mg >115 kg body weight: 70 mg Methoxsalen Lotion: is applied to a well-defined area of vitiligo by the physician and the area is then exposed to a suitable credit of UVA. Initial exposure time should be conservative and not exceed that which is predicted to be one-half the minimal erythema dose. Treatment intervals should be regulated by the erythema response; generally once a week is recommended or less often depending on results. The hands and fingers of the person applying the medication should be protected by gloves or finger cots to avoid photosensitization and possible burns.Pigmentation may begin after a few weeks but significant repigmentation may require 6 to 9 months of treatment. Periodic re-treatment may be necessary to retain all of the new pigment. Idiopathic vitiligo is reversible but not equally reversible in every patient. Treatment must be individualized. Repigmentation will vary in completeness, time of onset, and duration. Repigmentation occurs more rapidly in fleshy areas such as face, abdomen, and buttocks and less rapidly over less fleshy areas such as the dorsum of the hands or feet.Pediatric use: Safety in children has not been established.