[The pharmacokinetic and toxicologic profile of 8-methoxypsoralen. The basis for safe and effective PUVA therapy]

On the basis of approximately 60 publications and in view of our own results we present a comprehensive review as to the mode of action, the pharmacokinetics, the metabolism and the toxicology of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and its consequences in the PUVA therapy of psoriasis. The interaction of 8-MOP with DNA is presently considered to be the most likely mode of action. 8-MOP is subject to strong first-pass effects with considerable individual variations in plasma levels. An exact timing of drug dose and light dose is essential for a successful therapy, simultaneously minimizing the potential short-term and long-term risks of PUVA therapy.