| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A naturally occurring furocoumarin compound found in several species of plants, including Psoralea corylifolia. It is a photoactive substance that forms DNA adducts in the presence of ultraviolet A irradiation. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo |
| Pharmacology |
Methoxsalen selectively inhibits the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The guanine and cytosine content correlates with the degree of Methoxsalen-induced cross-linking. At high concentrations of the drug, cellular RNA and protein synthesis are also suppressed. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Half Life |
Approximately 2 hours |
| Elimination |
In both mice and man, methoxsalen is rapidly metabolized. Approximately 95% of the drug is excreted as a series of metabolites in the urine within 24 hours (Pathak et al. 1977). |
| External Links |
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