Serum levels of 8-methoxypsoralen in two different drug preparations: correlation with photosensitivity and UV-A dose requirements for photochemotherapy.
In a quantitative study we have compared the serum levels, the time course and the photosensitizing capacity of a conventional crystalline 8-methoxypsoralen brand and an investigational liquid formula. Evidence is presented showing that the liquid preparation is superior to the crystalline form: it peaks earlier after ingestion, it produces higher and more constant degree of photosensitization, it is eliminated more rapidly from the blood, and it requires a lower UV-A dose for eliciting photosensitivity reactions aiming at a reduction of the total cumulative UV-A dose required for clearing psoriasis.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy
D008730:Methoxsalen