title: 5-Methoxypsoralen (Bergapten) in photochemotherapy of psoriasis.
abstract: 5-Methoxypsoralen (5-MOP, Bergapten) was evaluated as a potential photosensitizing drug in oral photochemotherapy of psoriasis. Treatment results indicate that (1) 5-MOP is as effective as, and in high doses more effective than, 8-methoxypsoralen in clearing psoriatic lesions; (2) therapeutic doses of 5-MOP do not lead to erythema; the acute side-effects of 8-MOP PUVA therapy--erythema, blistering, pruritus--are thus avoided; (3) even high doses of 5-MOP are not followed by nausea. 5-MOP PUVA therapy thus represents a real alternative to 8-MOP PUVA, its advantages over 8-MOP PUVA being greater safety and patient acceptance.
mesh_terms: D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D008730:Methoxsalen