Methoxsalen (methoxsalen)

Methoxsalen therapy must be accompanied by some form of UVA irradiation. Use of sunlight or conventional artificial UV light sources (e.g., hot or cold quartz lamps, fluorescent sunlamps, blacklights) is preferred by some clinicians but others prefer to use light from sources that provide high-intensity UVA light. Following topical methoxsalen application, conventional UV light sources are used by most clinicians; sunlight is used rarely.

Initial UV light exposure times should be based on the minimum phototoxic dose (MPD) for the specific light source being used. MPD can be determined by irradiating several skin areas 2 cm in diameter with varying light exposure times and determining the exposure time that produces erythema at 72 hours. When sunlight is used as the UV light source, initial sunlight exposure following methoxsalen administration should not exceed 15, 20, or 25 minutes for patients with light, medium, or dark skin colors, respectively; subsequent exposure may be increased 5 minutes each day, depending on the degree of erythema and tenderness. Exposure time should be reduced for noontime sun and for high-altitude or low-latitude (0-20degrees) exposure. Following topical application of methoxsalen, initial exposure to sunlight should not exceed 1 minute; subsequent exposure time may be increased cautiously depending on erythemic response. If a conventional artificial light source is used, exposure time should usually be 50% of that producing erythema after sunlight exposure or should be adjusted according to the MPD and the directions of the manufacturer of the device. Clinicians should consult published protocols and specialized references for information on the use of high-intensity UVA light sources.

To prevent serious burns following administration of methoxsalen, patients should be carefully instructed not to exceed the recommended dosage and UV light exposure time; the appropriate precautions associated with psoralen therapy and protective measures must be employed. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.)

Methoxsalen conventional and liquid-filled capsules should not be used interchangeably in the treatment of psoriasis. The liquid-filled capsules are absorbed more rapidly and extensively, have earlier peak photosensitivity times, and have substantially lower minimum phototoxic doses (MPD) than the conventional capsules. Dosages of these preparations are not interchangeable. Patients must be treated in accordance with the dosimetry specifically recommended for the dosage form employed. Before using PUVA therapy with the liquid-filled capsules, the MPD and peak photosensitivity time after drug administration should be evaluated in each patient.

Methoxsalen is usually administered orally. Oral methoxsalen may be administered as a single dose with milk or after a meal, or in 2 divided doses approximately 30 minutes apart, to minimize adverse GI effects.

Methoxsalen may also be applied topically in the form of a 1% lotion; occasionally, the lotion may need to be diluted 10- or 100-fold to avoid excessive reactions. Methoxsalen lotion should be applied only to small, well-defined, vitiliginous lesions (less than 10 cm2) by a physician. Methoxsalen lotion should not be dispensed to a patient for home use. The hands and fingers of the individual applying the lotion should be protected by gloves or finger cots to avoid photosensitization and possible burns. The lotion may be applied with a cotton swab, allowed to dry for 1-2 minutes, then reapplied. The borders of the vitiliginous lesion being treated should be protected with petrolatum and a sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation.

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Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Fezolinetant

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of fezolinetant.(1-4)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP1A2 inhibitor may increase levels of and adverse effects from fezolinetant.(1-4)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for concurrent use of fezolinetant with CYP1A2 inhibitors differ in different regions. The US manufacturer of fezolinetant states that concurrent use with strong, moderate, and weak CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated.(1) The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of fezolinetant state that concurrent use with strong and moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated, while weak CYP1A2 inhibitors are not predicted to cause clinically relevant changes in fezolinetant exposure.(2-4)

DISCUSSION: In a study, fluvoxamine, a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by 80% and 840%, respectively. Mexiletine (400 mg every 8 hours), a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant Cmax and AUC by 40% and 360%, respectively. Cimetidine (300 mg every 6 hours), a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor, increased fezolinetant Cmax and AUC by 30% and 100%, respectively.(1) Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include angelica root, ciprofloxacin, enasidenib, enoxacin, fluvoxamine, and rofecoxib. Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include capmatinib, centanafadine, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, hormonal contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, vemurafenib, and viloxazine. Weak CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include acyclovir, allopurinol, artemisinin, belumosudil, caffeine, cannabidiol, cimetidine, curcumin, dan-shen, deferasirox, disulfiram, Echinacea, famotidine, ginseng, norfloxacin, obeticholic acid, parsley, piperine, propafenone, propranolol, ribociclib, simeprevir, thiabendazole, ticlopidine, triclabendazole, valacyclovir, verapamil, and zileuton.(5-7)

Moderate Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Vorasidenib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of vorasidenib.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and effects from vorasidenib, including hepatotoxicity.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer for vorasidenib states concurrent use with moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use of moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors cannot be avoided, monitor for increased risk of adverse reactions and modify the dose of vorasidenib as recommended in the prescribing information.(1)

DISCUSSION: Vorasidenib is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2.(1) Concurrent use of vorasidenib and fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor) is predicted to increase vorasidenib maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) by greater than 5-fold.(1) In a study, concurrent use of vorasidenib and ciprofloxacin (a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor) increased vorasidenib Cmax 1.3-fold and AUC 2.5-fold.(1) Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, centanafadine, ciprofloxacin, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, vemurafenib, and viloxazine.(2)

Selected Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Rasagiline (> 0.5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of rasagiline.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP1A2 inhibitor may increase levels of and adverse effects from rasagiline.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of rasagiline states that patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP1A2 should receive no more than 0.5 mg of rasagiline daily.(1) Concurrent therapy with vemurafenib may require extended monitoring for interaction onset and severity because steady-state levels of vemurafenib are not attained for approximately 15 days.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 12 healthy subjects, ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of rasagiline (2 mg twice daily) by 83%.(1) Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include angelica root, ciprofloxacin, enasidenib, enoxacin, and rofecoxib. Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include capmatinib, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, hormonal contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, and vemurafenib.(3-5)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Methoxsalen/Selected Photosensitizers

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Methoxsalen causes photosensitivity due to residual drug which is present in all parts of the skin from photopheresis. Anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides are other known photosensitizers.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of methoxsalen in patients taking anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides may increase the risk of phototoxicity.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of methoxsalen states that concurrent use of methoxsalen with anthralin, coal tar and derivatives, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, organic staining dyes (such as methylene blue, rose bengal, or toluidine blue), phenothiazines, selected NSAIDs (such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, and tiaprofenic acid), methotrexate, St. John's wort, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, tetracyclines, and thiazides should be avoided.(1)

DISCUSSION: All patients who have received methoxsalen become photosensitive. It is unknown what the risk of photosensitivity reactions is when methoxsalen is used concurrently with other photosensitizing agents.(1)

Selected Moderate And Weak Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Tizanidine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Moderate and weak CYP1A2 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of tizanidine by CYP1A2.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of moderate and weak CYP1A2 inhibitors may result in elevated levels of and effects from tizanidine, including hypotension, bradycardia, drowsiness, sedation, and decreased psychomotor function.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(2)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tizanidine states that concurrent use of tizanidine with inhibitors of CYP1A2 should be avoided.(3) If adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia or excessive drowsiness occur, reduce tizanidine dosage or discontinue tizanidine therapy.(3)

DISCUSSION: In a study, cannabidiol 750 mg twice daily (a weak CYP1A2 inhibitor) increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of a 200 mg single dose of caffeine (a sensitive CYP1A2 substrate) by 15% and 95%, respectively.(1) In a study in 10 healthy subjects, concurrent fluvoxamine, a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2, increased tizanidine Cmax, AUC, and half-life (T1/2) by 12-fold, 33-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. Significant decreases in blood pressure and increases in drowsiness and psychomotor impairment occurred.(3) In a study in 10 healthy subjects, concurrent ciprofloxacin, a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2, increased tizanidine Cmax and AUC by 7-fold and 10-fold, respectively. Significant decreases in blood pressure and increases in drowsiness and psychomotor impairment occurred.(3) Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: centanafadine, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, methoxsalen, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, propranolol, rucaparib, and troleandomycin. Weak CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: allopurinol, artemisinin, belumosudil, caffeine, cannabidiol, curcumin, dan-shen, disulfiram, Echinacea, ginseng, parsley, piperine, ribociclib, simeprevir, thiabendazole, and triclabendazole.(4)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Moderate Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Pirfenidone

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pirfenidone is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 which is responsible for about 50% of its conversion to inactive drug. CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1 are additional minor contributors to pirfenidone metabolism.(1) Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of pirfenidone.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent pirfenidone use with moderate inhibitors of CYP1A2 may lead to increased systemic concentrations and toxicity from pirfenidone, including serious liver injury.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: A greater risk of adverse events may result from concomitant treatment with strong or moderate inhibitors of one or more other CYP isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of pirfenidone such as CYP2C9 (e.g. amiodarone, fluconazole), CYP2C19 (e.g. fluconazole, fluoxetine, ticlopidine) and CYP2D6 (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine).(1) The magnitude of this interaction may be reduced in cigarette smokers. Cigarette smoking induces production of CYP1A2 and, in the absence of a CYP1A2 inhibitor, leads to decreased systemic concentrations of pirfenidone.(1)

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of pirfenidone states that for concurrent use with moderate inhibitors of CYP1A2, dose reduction is recommended. Reduce the dose of pirfenidone to two-267 mg capsules three times a day (total daily dose of 1602 mg/day).(1) Combinations of strong or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors with strong or moderate CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and/or CYP2D6 inhibitors should be discontinued prior to and avoided during pirfenidone treatment.(1)

DISCUSSION: Pirfenidone is converted to inactive metabolites prior to elimination. CYP1A2 is responsible for approximately half of this metabolism. In an interaction study conducted in non-smokers and smokers, coadministration of pirfenidone with fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor), an agent which inhibits multiple pirfenidone elimination pathways (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19), led to an approximately 4-fold and 7-fold, respectively, increase in pirfenidone exposure.(1) In a single-dose study in 27 healthy subjects, coadministration of 801 mg of pirfenidone and 750 mg of ciprofloxacin on Day 6 (ciprofloxacin was dosed at 750 mg twice daily from Day 2 to Day 7) increased the exposure to pirfenidone by 81%.(1) Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, centanafadine, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, hormonal contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, vemurafenib, and viloxazine.(2)

Selected Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Rasagiline (<= 0.5 Mg)

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Inhibitors of CYP1A2 may inhibit the metabolism of rasagiline.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a CYP1A2 inhibitor may increase levels of and adverse effects from rasagiline.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of rasagiline states that patients receiving concurrent therapy with an inhibitor of CYP1A2 should receive no more than 0.5 mg of rasagiline daily.(1) Concurrent therapy with vemurafenib may require extended monitoring for interaction onset and severity because steady-state levels of vemurafenib are not attained for approximately 15 days.(2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 12 healthy subjects, ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of rasagiline (2 mg twice daily) by 83%.(1) Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: angelica root, ciprofloxacin, enasidenib, enoxacin, and rofecoxib. Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, hormonal contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, and vemurafenib.(3-5)

Selected Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Theophylline Derivatives

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: CYP1A2 inhibitors may reduce the elimination rate of theophylline derivatives.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of selected CYP1A2 inhibitors and theophylline or their derivatives may result in increased levels and toxicity of theophylline.(1-19)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concomitant therapy with inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g. clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir) which block a secondary metabolic pathway for theophylline, may increase the magnitude of this interaction.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Theophylline levels should be closely monitored in patients receiving concurrent therapy. The dosage of theophylline may need to be decreased after a CYP1A2 inhibitor is initiated. If the CYP1A2 inhibitor is discontinued in a patient stabilized on the combination, the theophylline level may fall. Monitor theophylline levels and adjust dose accordingly.

DISCUSSION: A study in 5 patients with active hepatitis B and 4 healthy subjects examined the effects of a single dose of interferon alpha (9 million units in 8 subjects, 18 million units in 1 subject). There was no effect on theophylline in 1 subject. In the other 8 subjects, interferon increased theophylline half-life by 70% and decreased theophylline clearance by 49% (range 33% to 81%).(1) A study in 11 healthy subjects examined the effects of interferon alpha (3 million International Units daily for 3 days) on a single aminophylline (4 mg/kg) infusion. Interferon increased the half-life, area-under-curve (AUC), and mean residence time by 13.7%, 17.9%, and 16.3%, respectively. Theophylline clearance decreased by 9.1%.(2) In a study in healthy males, peginterferon alfa-2a (180 mcg once weekly for 4 weeks) increased theophylline AUC by 25%.(3,4) Concurrent interferon alfa has been shown to increase theophylline levels by 100%.(5) A study in 7 patients with chronic hepatitis C examined the effects of interferon beta (3 million to 9 million International Units daily for 8 weeks) on theophylline ethylenediamine (single 250 mg infusion). Interferon decreased theophylline clearance by 26.3% and increased theophylline half-life by 39.3%. There was no correlation between interferon dose and effect. The greatest effect was seen in a patient who received 3 million International Units daily, while no effect was seen in a patient who received 9 million International Units daily.(6) Increased serum theophylline levels with signs and symptoms of theophylline toxicity have been reported in patients following the addition of mexiletine to their treatment.(7-15) In a study evaluated the combination of disulfiram and theophylline in 20 recovering alcoholics. Patients received a single IV dose of theophylline while being given either 250 mg or 500 mg of disulfiram daily. Both dosages of disulfiram decreased the clearance of theophylline. However, the effect was greatest in patients receiving disulfiram 500 mg daily.(16) Increases in serum theophylline concentration and half-life have been reported during concurrent administration of theophylline and ticlopidine.(17) In healthy subjects, rofecoxib (12.5 mg/day, 25 mg/day, or 50 mg/day for seven days) increased the area-under-curve (AUC) of a single dose of theophylline (300 mg) by 38% to 60%. Therefore, the manufacturer of rofecoxib recommends that theophylline levels be monitored if rofecoxib is initiated or changed in patients receiving theophylline.(18) Selected CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: acyclovir, Angelica dahurica, artemisinin, belumosudil, centanafadine, cannabidiol, curcumin, danshen, dipyrone, disulfiram, echinacea, enasidenib, fexinidazole, genistein, ginseng, interferons, methoxsalen, mexiletine, parsley, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, piperine, propafenone, ribociclib, rofecoxib, rucaparib, simeprevir, ticlopidine, triclabendazole, valacyclovir, and verapamil.(19)

Strong And Moderate Cyp1a2 Inhibitors/Ropinirole

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Ropinirole is a CYP1A2 substrate. Strong and moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors may decrease the metabolism of ropinirole.(1-3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent administration of strong or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors and ropinirole may result in elevated levels of ropinirole, increased clinical effects, and signs of toxicity.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In patients receiving strong or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors who are started on ropinirole, ropinirole may be titrated to effect according to the manufacturer's dosage instructions. If the strong or moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor is started or discontinued in a patient receiving ropinirole, the dosage of ropinirole may need to be adjusted.(1-2)

DISCUSSION: In a study in 12 subjects, the concurrent administration of ropinirole with ciprofloxacin resulted in increases in the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area-under-curve (AUC) of ropinirole by 84% and 60%, respectively. The major pathway for ropinirole metabolism has been shown to be CYP1A2.(1-3) Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: Angelica dahurica, enasidenib, enoxacin, and fluvoxamine. Moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: capmatinib, centanafadine, ciprofloxacin, dipyrone, fexinidazole, genistein, estrogen-containing contraceptives, methoxsalen, mexiletine, osilodrostat, phenylpropanolamine, pipemidic acid, rucaparib, troleandomycin, vemurafenib, and viloxazine.(4)

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• Albinism
• Aphakia
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria
• Hydroa vacciniforme
• Lactation
• Malignant melanoma
• Porphyria
• Porphyria cutanea tarda
• Skin photosensitivity
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Variegate porphyria
• Xeroderma pigmentosum

• Basal cell carcinoma of skin
• Disease of liver

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

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Rare or Very Rare

• Cataracts
• Hypotension
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Urticaria

More Frequent

• Nausea
• Pruritus of skin

Less Frequent

• Depression
• Dizziness
• Headache disorder
• Insomnia
• Nervousness

Rare or Very Rare

• Cramps in legs
• Erythema
• Malaise
• Skin hypopigmentation
• Skin irritation
• Skin rash

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Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with oral or topical methoxsalen. It is not known whether methoxsalen can cause fetal harm when administered orally or topically to pregnant women. Methoxsalen should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Since it is not known whether methoxsalen is distributed into milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women.

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