Hematoporphyrin (Photodyn, Sensibion) is a
porphyrin prepared from
hemin. It is a derivative of
protoporphyrin IX, where the two vinyl groups have been hydrated (converted to alcohols). It is a deeply colored solid that is usually encountered as a solution. Its
chemical structure was determined in 1900.
It is used as a photosensitizer in
photodynamic therapy. Acetylation of hematoporphyrin followed by hydrolysis of the product of that reaction affords a mixture called ''hematoporphyrin derivative'' (HPD), which is also used in photodynamic therapy.
Hematoporphyrin has also been used as an
antidepressant
Antidepressants are a class of medication used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions, and to help manage addictions. Common side-effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, hea ...
and
antipsychotic since the 1920s.
References
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Hematology
Tetrapyrroles
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