Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: 8 MOP versus METHOXSALEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: 8 MOP versus METHOXSALEN.
8-MOP vs METHOXSALEN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
8-MOP (methoxsalen) is a psoralen compound that intercalates into DNA. Upon UVA irradiation, it forms covalent cross-links between pyrimidine bases, inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division. It also reduces the proliferation of epidermal cells and suppresses cutaneous immune responses by inhibiting antigen presentation and cytokine release.
Methoxsalen is a psoralen that intercalates DNA, and upon UVA activation, forms covalent cross-links with pyrimidine bases, inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division.
Psoriasis: 0.4–0.6 mg/kg orally 2 hours before UVA exposure, 2–3 times per week. Vitiligo: 20 mg (0.3–0.4 mg/kg) 2 hours before UVA. Dose adjusted based on skin type and UVA dose.
Oral: 0.4–0.6 mg/kg taken 1.5–2 hours before UVA exposure; typical dose range 10–70 mg. Topical: 0.1% lotion applied 1 hour before UVA.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateMethoxsalen + Verteporfin
"Methoxsalen may increase the photosensitizing activities of Verteporfin."
Clinical Note
moderateMethoxsalen + Artesunate
"The serum concentration of the active metabolites of Artesunate can be reduced when Artesunate is used in combination with Methoxsalen resulting in a loss in efficacy."
Clinical Note
moderateMethoxsalen + Sulfisoxazole
"The metabolism of Sulfisoxazole can be decreased when combined with Methoxsalen."
Clinical Note
moderateTerminal elimination half-life is 1–2 hours; however, clinical effect persists longer due to sustained phototoxic reaction.
2 hours (range 1-3 h); terminal half-life is 2 h after oral administration; no accumulation with once-daily dosing
Renal excretion of metabolites (~95%) with <0.5% unchanged; biliary/fecal elimination ~5%.
Renal: 95% as metabolites (glucuronides); fecal: 4%; <0.1% unchanged in urine
Category C
Category D/X
Psoralen
Psoralen
Methoxsalen + Erythromycin
"The metabolism of Erythromycin can be decreased when combined with Methoxsalen."