Aminolevulinic Acid - drug information

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-09-21 16:21

Aminolevulinic acid is a drug used in conjunction with photodynamic therapy to treat various skin problems. This drug can also be used to help when doctors operate on gliomas on the brain or spine

Aminolevulinic acid in the form of a gel belongs to the photosensitizing agent class of drugs. This drug will enter the abnormal skin cells and make the cells more sensitive to light from photodynamic therapy. When exposed to these rays, the cells that are entered by aminolevulinic acid will die.

Skin problems that can be treated with a combination of aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy include actinic keratosis, warts, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, acne, condyloma acuminata, and lichen planus.

Meanwhile, aminolevulinic acid in the form of an oral solution (oral solution) belongs to the optical imaging agent drug class. This drug works by making glioma tissue appear to glow red, making it easy to detect and operate.

Aminolevulinic acid trademark: -

What is Aminolevulinic Acid

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Photosensitizing agent for topical drugs and optical imaging agent for oral drugs
Benefits	Helps treat actinic keratosis, warts, basal cell carcinoma, acne, condyloma acuminata, and lichen planus and as an adjunct in glioma surgery
Used by	Adult
Aminolevulinic acid for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Aminolevulinic acid is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor.
Medicine form	Gels and oral solutions

Warning Before Using Aminolevulinic Acid

Aminolevulinic acid is given by a doctor or medical officer according to the doctor's instructions. Note the following points before using aminolevulinic acid:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to the aminolevulinic acid, porphyrins, or phosphatidylcholine in soybeans. Aminolevulinic Acid should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if your skin is sensitive to sunlight. Aminolevulinic Acid should not be used by patients with these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had porphyria, liver disease, kidney disease, or a blood clotting disorder.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements, or herbal products.
• Protect the skin from exposure to sunlight and bright lights for 24 hours before and 48 hours after aminolevulinic acid is used, for example by wearing closed clothes and wide hats. This is done to prevent the occurrence of side effects due to treatment.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking aminolevulinic acid if you plan to undergo laboratory tests or other medical procedures.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Aminolevulinic Acid

Aminolevulinic acid dosage will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. The following are general doses of aminolevulinic acid based on the purpose of treatment:

Destination: Removal of glioma

Medication form: Oral solution

• Adults: The dose for patients suspected of having grade III or IV glioma is 20 mg/kgBW, taken 2–4 hours before induction of anesthesia

Purpose: Treating skin problems

Medication form: Gel

• Adults: The dose will be given by a doctor or other medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.

How to Use Aminolevulinic Acid Correctly

Aminolevulinic acid in the form of a gel will be applied to problem areas of the skin by a doctor or medical officer according to the doctor's directions. Meanwhile, aminolevulinic acid in the form of an oral solution needs to be taken 2–4 hours before glioma surgery.

As long as you are taking aminolevulinic acid, your doctor will monitor your condition closely. Make sure to follow the schedule of he alth checks given by the doctor. Regular he alth checks are carried out to ensure effective treatment and monitor side effects that may occur.

Aminolevulinic Acid Interaction with Other Drugs

Increased sensitivity to bright light and an increased risk of side effects may occur if aminolevulinic acid is used with the following medicines:

• John's Wort Supplements
• Antibiotics or sulfa drugs, such as demeclocyline, doxycycline, minocycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, sulfisoxazole or sulfamethoxazole
• Diuretics, such as bendroflumethiazide, chlorthalidone, indapamide, hydrochlorothiazide, methyclothiazide, or metolazone
• Sulfonylurea-type oral antidiabetic drugs, such as chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide, or tolbutamide
• Antipsychotic drugs, such as fluphenazine, or perphenazine
• Nausea or vomiting medication, such as chlorpromazine

Aminolevulinic Acid Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may occur after using aminolevulinic acid are:

• The treated skin feels sore, burning, tingling, prickling, or numb.
• The treated skin darkens or becomes lighter than the surrounding skin area
• The treated skin is swollen
• Skin treated with bumps, redness, and itching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Temporary memory loss, confusion, or disorientation
• Abnormal liver function results that usually occur up to 6 weeks after taking aminolevulinic acid

Contact your doctor if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Feeling like I'm going to faint
• Skin rash accompanied by blisters
• Shiver
• Seizure
• Difficulty speaking or understanding what other people are talking about