Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride

Breast Feeding; Lactation; Milk, Human; Dermatologic Agents; Photosensitizing Agents

FDA approved drugs -> Active ingredient

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

FDA approved drugs -> Active ingredient

According to the presumed mechanism of action, photosensitization following application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) topical solution occurs through the metabolic conversion of ALA to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which accumulates in the skin to which aminolevulinic acid has been applied. When exposed to light of appropriate wavelength and energy, the accumulated PpIX produces a photodynamic reaction, a cytotoxic process dependent upon the simultaneous presence of light and oxygen. The absorption of light results in an excited state of the porphyrin molecule, and subsequent spin transfer from PpIX to molecular oxygen generates singlet oxygen, which can further react to form superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Photosensitization of actinic (solar) keratosis lesions using aminolevulinic acid, plus illumination with the BLU-UTM Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator (BLU-U), is the basis for aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (PDT).

AMINOLEVULINIC ACID HYDROCHLORIDE

Optical Imaging Agent [EPC]; Porphyrin Precursor [EPC]; Porphyrinogens [CS]; Fluorescence Contrast Activity [MoA]

Drugs that are pharmacologically inactive but when exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight are converted to their active metabolite to produce a beneficial reaction affecting the diseased tissue. These compounds can be administered topically or systemically and have been used therapeutically to treat psoriasis and various types of neoplasms.