Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: METHOXSALEN versus OXSORALEN ULTRA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: METHOXSALEN versus OXSORALEN ULTRA.
METHOXSALEN vs OXSORALEN-ULTRA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Methoxsalen is a psoralen that intercalates DNA, and upon UVA activation, forms covalent cross-links with pyrimidine bases, inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division.
Oxsoralen-Ultra (methoxsalen) is a psoralen derivative that, upon photoactivation by UVA radiation, forms covalent cross-links with DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division. It also suppresses cutaneous immune responses and reduces epidermal cell turnover.
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.
0.6 mg/kg orally as a single dose 2 hours prior to PUVA therapy, administered 3 times per week on non-consecutive days.
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
moderate2 hours (range 1-3 h); terminal half-life is 2 h after oral administration; no accumulation with once-daily dosing
2 hours (terminal) with clinical context: elimination is rapid; no accumulation with q3-5d dosing.
Renal: 95% as metabolites (glucuronides); fecal: 4%; <0.1% unchanged in urine
Primarily renal: 90-95% as metabolites within 24 hours; minimal biliary/fecal (<5%).
Category D/X
Category C
Psoralen
Psoralen
Methoxsalen + Erythromycin
"The metabolism of Erythromycin can be decreased when combined with Methoxsalen."