Trade names Visudyne MedlinePlus a607060 ATC code S01LA01 (WHO) CAS ID 129497-78-5 | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes of
administration Intravenous Molar mass 718.794 g/mol Trade name Visudyne | |
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Pregnancy
category US: C (Risk not ruled out) | ||
Verteporfin (trade name Visudyne), a benzoporphyrin derivative, is a medication used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the eye associated with conditions such as the wet form of macular degeneration. Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with a wavelength of 689 nm in the presence of oxygen, produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in local damage to the endothelium and blockage of the vessels.
Contents
Verteporfin is also used off-label for the treatment of central serous retinopathy.
Administration
Verteporfin is given intravenously, 15 minutes before laser treatment.
Contraindications
Porphyria.
Side effects
Most common side effects are blurred vision, headache, and local effects at the injection site. Also, photosensitivity; it is advised to avoid exposure to sunlight and unscreened lighting until 48 hours after the injection of verteporfin.
Interactions
Verteporfin is known to interact with the herbal remedy feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), the latter of which seems to act as an antagonist to verteporfin for unknown reasons. Taking the two substances simultaneously is inadvisable.
Verteporfin has no influence on the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which metabolises many pharmaceutical drugs.