Pigmentation Disorder Medications

Methoxsalen is a medication used in the treatment of vitiligo, psoriasis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.  Methoxsalen is preferentially taken up by epidermal cells and binds to DNA, which prevents DNA synthesis and function.  

Hydroquinone is a medication that is indicated to reduce skin pigmentation in conditions such as melasma, photo-aging, and freckles.  Hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase, which is an enzyme in the production of melanin.  

Class Drugs

• Hydroquinone

• Methoxsalen

Class Mechanism of Action

See individual drugs

Class Applications

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Hydroquinone	Reduces pigmentation in photo-aging, melasma, and freckles	Mechanism of Action; Inhibits tyrosinase in the process of melanin synthesis; Adverse Effects; Only use for short duration due to concerns about carcinogenicity	"Hydro Flask" "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman"
Methoxsalen	Vitiligo; Psoriasis; Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma	Mechanism of Action; -Inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates differentiation by inhibiting DNA replication; -Activated by UV radiation; -Repigmentation agent; Adverse Effects; -Possible carcinogen; -Ages skin	"Meth" "Ox" "Salem Witch"