Medical Information Only: This medication is not sold on this site. The information provided is for reference purposes only. Please consult your local physician or pharmacist for treatment.

Actinex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Actinex - General Information

A potent lipoxygenase inhibitor that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. The compound also inhibits formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, carboxylesterase, and cyclooxygenase to a lesser extent. It also serves as an antioxidant in fats and oils.

 

Pharmacology of Actinex

Actinex is a novel antineoplastic agent. It is not known exactly how masoprocol works. Laboratory experiments have shown that masoprocol prevents cells similar to the ones found in actinic keratoses from multiplying. Actinex was withdrawn from the U.S. market in June 1996.

 

Actinex for patients

 

Actinex Interactions

No specific interactions are known at this time.

 

Actinex Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to masoprocol or other ingredients in the formulation. Use with an occlusive dressing.

 

Additional information about Actinex

Actinex Indication

Used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (precancerous skin growths that can become malignant if left untreated).

Mechanism Of Action
Although the exact mechanism of action is not known, studies have shown that masoprocol is a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and has antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes in tissue culture, but the relationship between this activity and its effectiveness in actinic keratoses is unknown. Actinex also inhibits prostaglandins but the significance of this action is not yet known.
Generic Name
Masoprocol
Synonyms
Dihydronorguaiaretic acid; Masoprocolum [INN-Latin]; Nordihydroguaiaretic acid; Nordihydroguairaretic acid; NDGA; meso-Nordihydroguaiaretic acid; meso-NDGA
Drug Category
Antineoplastics, topical; Antioxidants; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Keratolytic Agents; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Masoprocol
Actinex;
Absorption
Less than 1%-2% is absorbed through the skin over a 4-day period following application.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose or allergic reaction include bluish coloration of skin, dizziness, severe, or feeling faint, wheezing or trouble in breathing.
Dosage Forms of Actinex
Solution Topical
Chemical IUPAC Name
4-[(2S,3R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutyl]benzene-1,2-diol
Chemical Formula
C18H22O4
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals