Brand Name
Oxsoralen-Ultra
Common Name
methoxsalen
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00252654 | OXSORALEN-ULTRA CAP 10MG |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Methoxsalen belongs to the family of medications known as psoralens.
It is used to treat the skin conditions vitiligo, psoriasis,
and atopic dermatitis. For vitiligo, a skin condition where the skin loses
its colour in irregular patches, it works by restoring colour to the affected
areas. For psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, it is used in combination with high
intensity UVA light therapy.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to
your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
Capsules: For vitiligo, the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 20 mg daily, taken 1.5 to 2 hours (for the regular capsules) or 2 to 4 hours (for the soft gelatin capsules) before exposure to sunlight or UV light treatment. For psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the dose is based on body weight and taken 1.5 to 2 hours before UV light therapy. Methoxsalen should be taken after meals or with milk.
Lotion: For vitiligo, apply once weekly to a few depigmented areas (areas that are missing skin colour) and expose to UV light for a maximum of one minute. Alternate the sites where you apply the medication. If you are using both the capsules and the lotion, protect the areas where the lotion has been applied from daily exposure to UV light.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each soft green gelatin capsule, printed "ICN" on one side and "650" on the other contains methoxsalen USP 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polyethylene glycol.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Methoxsalen should not be used by people who:
- have poor liver function
- have medical conditions that increase sensitivity to sunlight (such as
porphyria, lupus, or infectious
leukoderma)
- have aphasia
- are 12 years of age or younger
- are pregnant or may be pregnant
- are taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight
- are allergic to methoxsalen or any ingredients of the medication
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