Psoralen

Dosage Forms Available

• Psoralen can be taken orally (tablet), or topically (creams, lotions, gels, solution).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Psoralen is typically meant for adults.

Contraindications

• Use of Psoralen is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to this medicine.
• Additionally, it is also contraindicated in patients with a history of skin cancer or melanoma and photosensitivity disorders such as lupus.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Psoralen can interact with other photosensitizing medicines (e.g, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenothiazines), and medications metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g, warfarin, cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, some antifungals and antibiotics), and herbal supplements(eg., St. John's wort).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Taking too much psoralen, particularly before UVA exposure, can cause severe skin burns, blistering, and painful skin reactions. If you take more than the prescribed amount, avoid any exposure to sunlight or UVA light and contact your doctor immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms of severe skin damage occur.
• If you miss a dose of psoralen before a scheduled PUVA session, inform your treatment team before proceeding. Do not take a double dose or undergo UVA light exposure without the correct amount of medicine. Your doctor will advise on whether to reschedule the session.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage nausea or vomiting, try taking the medicine with food or milk.
• To deal with a headache, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen the headache .
• To manage dizziness, avoid sudden changes in sitting or standing positions.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Psoralen may cause dizziness or blurred vision which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is advisable not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional due to the lack of specific data. Consult a doctor before taking this medicine during these periods.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with liver or kidney disease should exercise caution when taking Psoralen and the dosage may need adjustment.
• Patients with cataracts or other eye problems also need to be cautious about using Psoralen due to its potential eye-damaging effects.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Always wear UVA-blocking sunglasses after taking Psoralen to protect your eyes from UV light exposure.
• Avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours after taking Psoralen.
• During treatment, shield sensitive areas such as the genitals from UV light.