Methoxsalen (marketed under the trade
name oxsoralen) is a
drug used to
treat
psoriasis in conjunction with exposing the skin to sunlight.
Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the
UVA radiation,
allegedly clearing up the disease. The dosage comes in 10mg tablets, which
are taken in the amount of 30mg 75 minutes before a PUVA light
treatment.
Patients with
high blood pressure or a history of
liver
problems are at risk for inflammation and irreparable damage to both liver
and skin. The eyes must be protected from UVA radiation. Side effects
include
nausea,
headaches,
dizziness, and in rare cases
insomnia