Methoxsalen

Adults: Methoxsalen capsules Vitiligo therapy: Take two Methoxsalen capsules (10 mg each) in one dose, with milk or food, two to four hours before ultraviolet light exposure. Light exposure: The time spent in sunlight should follow this 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: Increase the time gradually, based on erythema and tenderness of the amelanotic skin. Therapy should be on alternate days and never on two consecutive days. Psoriasis therapy: Take the Methoxsalen capsules 2 hours before UVA exposure, with some food or milk. The dose depends on body weight, as in this 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: The physician applies the lotion to a well-defined area of vitiligo, and the area is then exposed to a suitable credit of UVA. The initial exposure time should be conservative and should not go beyond what is predicted to be one-half the minimal erythema dose. The gaps between treatments should be set by the erythema response. Once a week is generally recommended, or less often depending on results. The person applying the medicine should protect their hands and fingers with gloves or finger cots, to avoid photosensitization and possible burns. Pigmentation may begin after a few weeks, but significant repigmentation may need 6 to 9 months of treatment. Periodic re-treatment may be necessary to keep all of the new pigment. Idiopathic vitiligo is reversible, but not equally so in every patient. Treatment must be individualized. Repigmentation will vary in how complete it is, when it starts and how long it lasts. It happens faster in fleshy areas such as the face, abdomen and buttocks, and slower over less fleshy areas such as the dorsum of the hands or feet. Pediatric use: Safety in children has not been established.