Photochemotherapy (PUVA) may be used in selected patients with generalized vitiligo who have failed narrowband UVB. Which drug is the standard orally administered psoralen used in this regimen?
- A 8-Methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen) ✓
- B Isotretinoin
- C Griseofulvin
- D Methotrexate
Correct answer: A. 8-Methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen)
Explanation
PUVA combines oral 8-methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen) with subsequent UVA exposure. The psoralen intercalates into DNA and, upon UVA activation, forms photoadducts that stimulate melanocyte proliferation and melanogenesis, promoting repigmentation. Isotretinoin is a retinoid that photosensitises harmfully, griseofulvin is an antifungal unrelated to repigmentation, and methotrexate is an antifolate immunosuppressant, so none of these substitutes for methoxsalen.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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