Aminolevulinic Acid
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Drug reference
verteporfin
Photosensitiser for photodynamic therapy (benzoporphyrin derivative) · Anti-angiogenic
START
6 mg/m² IV over 10 min, then 689-nm laser at 15 min
TYPICAL MAX
6 mg/m² per session
STOP IF
Severe hypersensitivity or significant subretinal haemorrhage
WATCH
Strict 48-h sun/bright-light avoidance after infusion
CDSCO approvedATC S01LA01
KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label
- ONSET
- 6min · infusion start
- PEAK
- 15min · laser activation
- t½
- 5.5h · t½
- DURATION
- 2d · photosens cover
EXCRETION
Faecal predominant; minimal renal
route + CYP
INTERACTIONS
2 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
Use only if benefit outweighs risk.
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 3 →
- Aminolevulinic AcidSevereDatabaseDDInter
- SunlightSevereDatabaseKimi deep-research + Cla
Mechanism
Lipophilic photosensitiser taken up via LDL receptors by abnormal endothelium of neovascular lesions; activated by 689-nm light to generate reactive oxygen species, occluding pathologic vessels in choroidal neovascularisation.
Indications
Predominantly classic choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degenerationPathologic myopia / ocular histoplasmosis-associated CNV (selected)
Dosing
- Adult
- 6 mg/m² IV over 10 min, then light activation (689 nm laser) at 15 min after infusion start; repeat as indicated up to every 3 months.
- Pediatric
- Not established.
- Renal adjustment
- No specific adjustment.
- Hepatic adjustment
- Avoid in severe hepatic impairment.
- Geriatric
- No specific adjustment.
- Max dose
- 6 mg/m² per session
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Photoactivation immediate with laser
Peak effect
End of infusion
Duration
Vascular closure within ~30 min of light
Half-life
~5–6 h
Bioavailability
IV 100%
Protein binding
~90% (lipoproteins)
Metabolism
Hepatic / plasma esterase to inactive diacid
Excretion
Faecal (predominant); minimal renal
Contraindications
- Porphyria
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
Common
Injection-site reactions/back pain (infusion)Visual disturbanceHeadachePhotosensitivity
Serious
- Severe photosensitivity reactions / sunburn (48 h)
- Anaphylaxis / vasovagal reactions
- Severe vision loss (rare; subretinal haemorrhage)
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Use only if benefit outweighs risk.
Lactation
Interrupt breastfeeding for 48 h post-infusion.
Drug interactions
Sunlight
Severe
Database
Photosensitisation
Strict 48-h avoidance; cover skin/eyes
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
Other Photosensitising Drugs
Moderate
Database
Additive photosensitivity
Caution and counselling
Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla
9 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.
Related guidelines
Ask House about verteporfin
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-20 · House clinical team·Cockpit curated: 2026-05-20