Aminolevulinic Acid
- Atc Codes:L01XD04
- CAS Codes:5451-09-2
- PHARMGKB ID:5451-09-2
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Genes that may be involved
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Brand Names
North America
Canada: Levulan; USA: Levulan.
Latin America
Brazil: Levulan.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride: C~5~H~10~ClNO~3~. Mw: 167.59. 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride. CAS-5451-09-2.
Pharmacologic Category
Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents, Miscellaneous. Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrin Precursor. (ATC-Code: L01XD04).
Mechanism of action
Photosensitization following application of aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride topical solution occurs through the metabolic conversion of aminolevulinic acid to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a photosensitizer, which accumulates in the skin. When exposed to light of appropriate wavelength and energy, the accumulated photoactive porphyrins produce a photodynamic reaction, resulting in a cytotoxic process dependent upon the simultaneous presence of oxygen. The absorption of light results in an excited state of porphyrin molecules, and subsequent spin transfer from photoreactive porphyrins to molecular oxygen generates singlet oxygen, which can further react to form superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.
Therapeutic use
Treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses of the face or scalp.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Caution should be exercised when administered to nursing women.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths of 400-450 nm, porphyria or known allergies to porphyrins, and in known sensitivity to any of the components of the product.
Warnings and precautions
Exposure of the photosensitive actinic keratoses to sunlight or bright indoor light prior to blue light treatment should be avoided. Treated lesions should be protected from sunlight exposure. Sunscreens will not protect the patient against photosensitivity reactions. Should be used by a qualified health professional to apply drug only to actinic keratoses and not perilesional skin. Should not be applied to eyes or mucous membranes. Excessive irritation may be experienced if this product is applied under occlusion.