Generic Oxsoralen

Common use

Oxsoralen belongs to the special class of medications which are usually called psoralens. It is generally used as a means of treating different skin diseases. It is usually combined with ultraviolet light to struggle against vitiligo, skin colour loss and psoriasis. The medication under consideration makes skin more delicate and sensitive to UV light helping it to enlarge the pigment-producing cells.



Dosage and direction

This medication is regarded as very effective means in photopheresis. The dosage varies from one case to another. The optimal dose can be defined only by a specialist. The number of the tablets which may be swallowed always depends on the strength of the drug. Consult your physician in order to find a proper dose for your organism.



Precautions

The active chemical substance of this drug reinforces the skin’s sensitivity to direct sunlight. A patient can experience severe sunburns. Thus, you should avoid the influence of direct sunlight. You must be sure that there are no allergic reactions to any component of the tablets.



Contraindications

Allergy to sunlight, various infections, lupus erythematosus, porphyria, any liver disease, skin cancer, heart diseases or stomach problems are the main contraindications. Never use this drug without previous consultation with your doctor.



Possible side effect

You should understand that strong undesirable effects of treatment always need professional medical attention. Oxsoralen has a number of possible side effects which can be evoked together with positive changes. The most common negative influences are: vomiting, troubles with breathing, swelling of eyes, hand and feet, reddened skin, troubles with sleep, skin blistering and peeling, strong reddening of the treated spots, rash, nervousness, nausea, depression, skin itching, headache, severe dizziness, allergy, abnormal skin growths.



Drug interaction

Oxsoralen may not be used with: anthralin, coal tar, ethotoin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, medications that may increase your skin sensitivity to light, mephenytoin, phenothiazines like promethazine, phenytoin, tetracycline antibiotics and thiazide and various diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide. Find a special doctor's consultation in order to escape all undesirable interactions and negative influences of treatment.



Missed dose

In cases of missed doses you should not take double ones. It is better to refer to your physician and reschedule the dosage. Remember that extra doses can provoke severe negative reactions.



Overdose

Blistering, burning, peeling and persistent reddening of skin are considered to be the main symptoms of overdose. There is no detailed information about Oxsoralen overdose but it can evoke serious troubles anyway. Take your pills according to a schedule and be attentive using just a prescribed dose.



Storage

Store you tablets at room temperature in their original package. This medication can be spoiled by moisture, direct light and heat. Do not let the children get the pills. Keep them away from your home pets as well.





Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)