Selegiline (Monograph)
Brand names: Eldepryl, Zelapar
Drug class: Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors
- Antiparkinsonian Agents
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- MAO Inhibitors
VA class: CN500
Chemical name: (R)-N,α-Dimethyl-N-2-propynyl-benzeneethanamine hydrochloride
Molecular formula: C13H17N•ClH
CAS number: 14611-52-0
Introduction
Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor.
Parkinsonian Syndrome
Used as adjunctive therapy for symptomatic treatment of parkinsonian syndrome (e.g., parkinsonism, Parkinson disease [paralysis agitans]) in patients who exhibit a deteriorating response to levodopa/carbidopa; designated an orphan drug by FDA for this condition. Appears to be most beneficial when used during the early stages of the “wearing off” effect. Especially useful in improving “end-of-dose” motor fluctuations.
Has been used as monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed parkinsonian syndrome† [off-label]. Because selegiline is well tolerated and possibly neuroprotective (i.e., reduces the rate of progression of parkinsonian syndrome ), some clinicians initiate therapy with selegiline in such patients, reserving levodopa or another agent (i.e., dopamine agonist) until manifestations become severe enough to warrant more aggressive therapy. However, the manufacturers state that there is no evidence from controlled studies indicating that selegiline provides benefit in the absence of concurrent levodopa therapy.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Has been used with equivocal results for the palliative treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type† [off-label] (Alzheimer’s disease, presenile or senile dementia).
Selegiline Dosage and Administration
Administration
Administer orally.
Oral Administration
Administer orally as conventional tablets, capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets.
Administer conventional tablets and capsules in 2 equally divided doses daily with breakfast and lunch.
Administer orally disintegrating tablets (Zelapar) once daily in the morning before breakfast. Avoid foods or liquids for 5 minutes prior to and after administration. Do not remove tablets from blister pack until just prior to administration. With dry hands, peel backing off 1 or 2 blister packs (depending on dosage); gently remove tablet(s) and place on tongue where dissolution occurs in seconds. (See Absorption under Pharmacokinetics.)
Dosage
Available as selegiline hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.
Adults
Parkinsonian Syndrome
Adjunctive Therapy with Levodopa
OralConventional tablets and capsules: Usual dosage 5 mg twice daily. Some clinicians suggest initial dosage of 2.5 mg daily; may increase gradually up to 5 mg twice daily. Dosages >10 mg daily do not provide additional benefit and may increase risk of adverse effects; generally avoid such dosages.
Orally disintegrating tablets: Initially, 1.25 mg once daily for ≥6 weeks. If desired response not achieved by 6 weeks, may increase to 2.5 mg once daily, if tolerated. Dosages >2.5 mg daily do not provide additional benefit and may increase risk of adverse effects; generally avoid such dosages.
If dyskinesia develops or is exacerbated during therapy, may reduce dosage of concomitant levodopa. (See Dyskinesia under Cautions.) Manufacturers of conventional oral preparations of selegiline state that dosage reduction of levodopa/carbidopa (usually by 10–30%) may be attempted after 2–3 days of selegiline therapy with further reduction possible during continued therapy.
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Conventional oral preparations: Manufacturers make no specific dosage recommendations in patients with hepatic impairment.
Orally disintegrating tablets: In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5–9), reduce dosage to 1.25 mg daily (depending on clinical response); use not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score >9).
Renal Impairment
Conventional oral preparations: Manufacturers make no specific dosage recommendations in patients with renal impairment.
Orally disintegrating tablets: No dosage adjustments required in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (Clcr 30–89 mL/minute); individualize dosage. Use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment and those with end-stage renal disease (Clcr <30 mL/minute).
Geriatric Patients
No specific dosage recommendations.
Cautions for Selegiline
Contraindications
-
Known hypersensitivity to selegiline.
-
Concomitant use with other MAO inhibitors (selective or nonselective), certain opiate agonists (e.g., meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene [no longer commercially available in the US], tramadol), dextromethorphan, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), and cyclobenzaprine. (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Risks Associated with Nonselective MAO Inhibition
Risk of serious hypertensive reactions associated with nonselective MAO inhibition. Selectivity for MAO-B is relative. At recommended dosages, selegiline inhibits cerebral MAO-B while having little effect on MAO-A in the GI tract and liver. At higher dosages, selectivity for MAO-B usually diminishes and the drug will inhibit MAO-B and MAO-A.
Hypertensive crises following ingestion of foods containing large amounts of tyramine (i.e., cheese reaction) have occurred in patients receiving nonselective MAO inhibitors. Hypertensive reactions reported rarely in patients receiving recommended dosages of selegiline hydrochloride with tyramine-rich foods or sympathomimetic drugs; as dosage is increased beyond recommended dosages, the likelihood of hypertensive reactions increases. (See Interactions.)
Use selegiline with caution. Do not exceed recommended dosages. (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.) The exact dosage at which selegiline hydrochloride becomes a nonselective inhibitor of MAO not known, but may be 30–40 mg daily (with conventional oral preparations) or 5 mg daily (with orally disintegrating tablets). (See Advice to Patients.)
Because of the complexity of the MAO enzyme system, observe patients closely for atypical responses.
Serotonin Syndrome
Concomitant use of highly serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants) and MAO inhibitors, including selegiline, is potentially hazardous and may result in serotonin syndrome. Manifestations may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile BP, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or GI symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Generally avoid concomitant use. (See Interactions.)
General Precautions
Dyskinesia
Selegiline may exacerbate levodopa-associated adverse effects (e.g., dyskinesia ), presumably by increasing dopaminergic activity; effects generally can be mitigated by reducing levodopa dosage. (See Adjunctive Therapy with Levodopa under Dosage and Administration.)
Sudden Sleep Episodes
Episodes of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living (e.g., driving) reported with dopaminergic drugs, sometimes resulting in accidents.
Some patients perceived no warning signs (e.g., excessive drowsiness) and believed they were alert immediately prior to the event.
Generally discontinue therapy if a patient develops daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation (e.g., driving a motor vehicle, conversations, eating). If the drug is continued, advise patients not to drive and to avoid other potentially dangerous activities.
Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension reported; risk appears to be increased after dosage increases. Incidence higher in geriatric patients.
Melanoma
Epidemiologic studies indicate patients with Parkinson disease have a twofold to approximately sixfold greater risk of developing melanoma than the general population. Unclear whether increased risk is due to Parkinson disease or other factors (e.g., drugs used to treat the disease).
Monitor for melanoma on a frequent and regular basis. Manufacturers recommend periodic skin examinations performed by qualified clinicians (e.g., dermatologists).
Intense Urges
Intense urges (e.g., urge to gamble, increased sexual urges, other intense urges) and inability to control these urges reported in some patients receiving antiparkinsonian agents that increase central dopaminergic tone (including selegiline). Although causal relationship not established, urges stopped in some cases when dosage was reduced or drug was discontinued.
Consider reducing dosage or discontinuing selegiline if a patient develops such urges.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) (e.g., muscular rigidity, autonomic instability, altered consciousness) reported with rapid dose reduction, withdrawal of, or changes in antiparkinsonian therapy. (See Advice to Patients.)
Irritation of Buccal Mucosa
Increased frequency of mild oropharyngeal abnormality (e.g., swallowing pain, mouth pain, discrete areas of focal reddening, multiple foci of reddening, edema, and/or ulceration) reported in patients receiving selegiline orally disintegrating tablets.
Phenylketonuria
Warn individuals with phenylketonuria (i.e., homozygous genetic deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase) and other individuals who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine that selegiline orally disintegrating tablets (Zelapar) contain aspartame (NutraSweet), which is metabolized in the GI tract to provide about 1.25 mg phenylalanine per tablet.
Renal Effects
Small increases in Scr and BUN reported in patients receiving high dosages of selegiline orally disintegrating tablets (10 mg daily).
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C. No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; developmental toxicity observed in animal studies.
Lactation
Not known whether selegiline is distributed into milk. Use caution. Some manufacturers state to give consideration to discontinuing the use of all but absolutely essential drug therapy in nursing women.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established.
Geriatric Use
Safety and efficacy in geriatric patients not studied specifically to date; however, parkinsonian syndrome, for which safety and efficacy have been established, occurs principally in patients >50 years of age.
Greater frequency of certain adverse effects (e.g., hypertension, orthostatic hypotension) reported in geriatric patients ≥65 years of age compared with younger patients.
Common Adverse Effects
Conventional tablets and capsules: Nausea; dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; abdominal pain; hallucinations; dry mouth; vivid dreams; dyskinesias; headache.
Orally disintegrating tablets: Constipation, skin disorders, vomiting, dizziness, dyskinesia, insomnia, dyspnea, myalgia, rash.
Many of the adverse effects in patients receiving selegiline plus levodopa result from increased dopaminergic activity and can be mitigated by reducing levodopa dosage; these effects include exacerbation of dyskinesias, confusion, and hallucinations.
Drug Interactions
Metabolized by CYP2B6, CYP3A4, and possibly CYP2A6 (to a lesser extent). Does not inhibit CYP enzymes; little or no potential for inducing CYP1A2 and CYP3A4/5.
Drugs Affecting or Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
CYP3A4 inhibitors: Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.
CYP3A4 inducers: Use concomitantly with caution.
Specific Drugs and Foods
Drug or Food |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) |
Specific studies not conducted to evaluate effect on pharmacokinetics of selegiline |
Use concomitantly with caution |
Antidepressants (e.g., SNRIs, SSRIs, tetracyclics, tricyclics, triazolopyridine derivatives) |
Potential for serious, possibly fatal serotonin syndrome |
Generally avoid concomitant use Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of selegiline and initiation of antidepressant Allow ≥5 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of fluoxetine and initiation of selegiline; consider a longer interval after long-term or high-dosage fluoxetine therapy Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline and initiation of selegiline Allow ≥2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of a tricyclic antidepressant and initiation of selegiline |
Antipsychotic agents (i.e., dopamine antagonists) |
Possible reduced efficacy of selegiline |
|
Cyclobenzaprine |
Potential for serious, possibly fatal serotonin syndrome |
Concomitant use contraindicated |
Dextromethorphan |
Possible psychosis and bizarre behavior |
Concomitant use contraindicated |
Foods, tyramine-containing |
Hypertensive reactions reported rarely Nonselective inhibition of MAO increases risk of hypertensive reactions; selectivity for MAO typically decreases as dosage of selegiline is increased above recommended dosages (>10 mg daily with conventional oral preparations or >2.5 mg daily with orally disintegrating tablets) |
Do not exceed recommended dosages of selegiline Exercise caution regardless of the dosage; avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content Safe use of selegiline orally disintegrating tablets at dosages >2.5 mg daily without dietary tyramine restrictions not established Consult specialized references on food constituents or a dietician for specific information on the tyramine content of foods and beverages |
Itraconazole |
No changes observed in pharmacokinetics of selegiline |
|
Levodopa |
Potential for exacerbation of levodopa-associated adverse effects in some patients, presumably secondary to increased dopaminergic activity |
Reduction of levodopa dosage may mitigate adverse effects Combination used to therapeutic advantage |
MAO inhibitors (nonselective or selective) |
May increase risk of nonselective MAO inhibition, possibly resulting in hypertensive crisis |
Concomitant use contraindicated Allow ≥14 days to elapse between discontinuance of selegiline and initiation of other MAO inhibitors |
Metoclopramide |
Possible reduced efficacy of selegiline |
|
Nafcillin |
Specific studies not conducted to evaluate effect on pharmacokinetics of selegiline |
Use concomitantly with caution |
Opiate agonists (e.g., meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene [no longer commercially available in US], tramadol) |
Potential for serious, possibly fatal serotonin syndrome |
Concomitant use with meperidine, methadone, and tramadol contraindicated; allow ≥14 days to elapse between discontinuance of selegiline and initiation of opiate agonist Consider discontinuing selegiline 2 weeks prior to scheduled surgery if postoperative meperidine analgesia is possible |
Rifampin |
Specific studies not conducted to evaluate effect on pharmacokinetics of selegiline |
Use concomitantly with caution |
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Potential for serious, possibly fatal serotonin syndrome |
Concomitant use contraindicated |
Sympathomimetic agents (e.g., ephedrine) |
Hypertensive crisis reported in at least one patient receiving selegiline hydrochloride 10 mg daily (as a conventional oral preparation) and ephedrine |
Selegiline Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Conventional tablets and capsules: Rapidly absorbed following oral administration; peak plasma selegiline concentrations achieved within 0.5–0.9 hours in fasting individuals. Undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in gut wall and liver. Following single oral 10-mg capsule dose, peak plasma concentrations of the first-pass metabolites (l-desmethylselegiline, l-methamphetamine, and l-amphetamine) are 3- to 20-fold higher than the peak plasma concentrations of selegiline. At steady state, peak plasma selegiline and metabolite concentrations are increased 2.6- to 4-fold and 1.5- to 2-fold, respectively, compared with values following a single dose. Oral bioavailability of 10% reported for selegiline hydrochloride conventional tablets.
Orally disintegrating tablets: Absorbed more rapidly than conventional tablet formulation; mean peak plasma concentrations achieved within 10–15 minutes following buccal administration of a single 1.25- or 2.5-mg dose. Peak plasma concentrations and AUC are dose proportional over dosage range of 1.25–10 mg daily and steady state is achieved after 8 days. Undergoes pregastric absorption through buccal mucosa and substantially bypasses first-pass metabolism, resulting in higher plasma concentrations of selegiline and lower concentrations of metabolites than those achieved with conventional oral formulations. Relative bioavailability of selegiline from orally disintegrating tablets is greater than that from conventional formulations.
Food
Conventional tablets and capsules: Food increases oral bioavailability of selegiline 3- to 5-fold but does not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of the first-pass metabolites.
Orally disintegrating tablets: Presence of food in the GI tract decreases AUC and peak plasma concentrations to approximately 60% of those seen when the drug is administered in the fasted state. (See Dosage and Administration: Administration.)
Special Populations
Following administration of orally disintegrating tablets in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh 5–9), peak plasma concentrations and systemic exposure of selegiline and desmethylselegiline were increased. In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh >9), these pharmacokinetics parameters were considerably increased (by threefold to fourfold).
Following administration of orally disintegrating tablets in patients with renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease, peak plasma concentrations and systemic exposure of selegiline and desmethylselegiline were not substantially altered; however, exposure to the methamphetamine and amphetamine metabolites were increased.
Following administration of a single 10-mg dose (as conventional tablets) in a limited number of adults ≥60 years of age, systemic exposure was twice that reported in adults 18–30 years of age.
Distribution
Extent
Selegiline and its metabolites are widely distributed into body tissues.
Selegiline and its metabolites cross the blood-brain barrier with highest accumulation in thalamus, basal ganglia, mesencephalon, and cingulate gyrus.
Selegiline and/or its metabolites also detected in the liver and hair.
Plasma Protein Binding
Selegiline and/or its metabolites: Up to 94%.
Elimination
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized, principally in the gut wall and liver, to l-desmethylselegiline and l-methylamphetamine (CYP-mediated) and then to l-amphetamine. Metabolized by CYP2B6, CYP3A4, and possibly CYP2A6 to a lesser extent. The amphetamine metabolites may be hydroxylated and then conjugated with glucuronic acid.
l-Desmethylselegiline is an irreversible inhibitor of MAO-B, but its contribution to MAO-B inhibition during selegiline therapy may be only minor. The levorotatory amphetamine isomers are less potent CNS stimulants than the racemic or dextrorotatory isomers.
When administered as the orally disintegrating tablet, substantially bypasses first-pass metabolism.
Elimination Route
Excreted principally in urine as conjugated and unconjugated metabolites (20–63% as l-methamphetamine, 9–26% as l-amphetamine, and 1% as l-desmethylselegiline).
Urinary excretion of amphetamines is enhanced in acidic urine.
Half-life
Selegiline: Approximately 1.2–2 hours following single oral doses of 10 mg (as conventional oral preparations) or 1.25 mg (as orally disintegrating tablets), and about 10 hours at steady state.
Metabolites: 2 hours (l-desmethylselegiline), 20.5 hours (l-methamphetamine), and 17.7 hours (l-amphetamine).
Stability
Storage
Oral
Conventional Tablets and Capsules
20–25°C.
Orally Disintegrating Tablets
25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C). Use within 3 months of opening pouch and immediately upon opening individual blister. Store blister tablets in pouch.
Actions
-
Irreversible MAO-B inhibitor. At recommended dosages, inhibits cerebral MAO-B while having little effect on MAO-A in the GI tract and liver. At higher dosages (e.g., 30–40 mg daily with conventional oral preparations or 5 mg daily with orally disintegrating tablets), selectivity usually diminishes and the drug will inhibit MAO-B and MAO-A.
-
Principal physiologic action in the management of parkinsonian syndrome is irreversible inhibition of MAO-B within the nigrostriatal pathways in the CNS, thereby blocking microsomal metabolism of dopamine and enhancing dopaminergic activity in the substantia nigra. Reduces the amount of levodopa required to maintain optimum dopamine concentrations in the brain of patients with parkinsonian syndrome.
-
May increase dopaminergic activity by mechanisms other than MAO-B inhibition (e.g., interference with dopamine reuptake at the synapse).
-
May prevent or delay neuronal death by protecting the nigral neurons from damage by oxygen free radicals produced through MAO-B activity.
-
Prevents MAO-B mediated production of the neurotoxin methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) from phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). If an MPTP-like substance contributes to the pathogenesis of parkinsonian syndrome, the inhibition of oxidation of such a substance may protect against its neurotoxic effects.
-
The ability to promote neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth and release of dopamine from intact neurons and also to block activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors may contribute to selegiline’s activity.
Advice to Patients
-
Risk of serious adverse effects (e.g., hypertensive reactions) at dosages higher than recommended. Importance of not exceeding the recommended dosage.
-
Advise patient that serious adverse reactions (e.g., hypertensive reactions) rarely have occurred even at the recommended dosage when tyramine-containing foods or a sympathomimetic drug was used concomitantly. Importance of avoiding foods and beverages with a high tyramine content. Advise patients to contact their clinician if they do not feel well after eating foods rich in tyramine.
-
Importance of contacting clinician if signs or symptoms of hypertension (e.g., headache, neck stiffness or soreness, palpitation) or other unusual symptoms occur.
-
Risk of somnolence and the possibility of falling asleep during activities of daily living. Patients should avoid driving or engaging in other potentially dangerous activities until the effects on the individual are known.
-
Importance of advising patients that if increased somnolence or new episodes of falling asleep during activities of daily living (e.g., watching television, passenger in a car) occur at any time during therapy, they should not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities until they have contacted their clinician. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or work at heights during therapy if they have previously experienced somnolence and/or have fallen asleep without warning prior to use of selegiline.
-
Importance of taking selegiline as prescribed. Importance of advising patients to contact their clinician if they wish to discontinue therapy.
-
Potential for selegiline to exacerbate levodopa-associated adverse effects (e.g., dyskinesia). Possible need for reduction of levodopa dosage following initiation of selegiline.
-
Risk of hallucinations or psychotic-like behavior. Importance of advising patients to promptly report any such events to their clinician.
-
Importance of asking patients whether they have developed any new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, or other urges while receiving selegiline and of advising them of the importance of reporting such urges.
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription (e.g., analgesics, antidepressants) and OTC drugs (e.g., decongestants, dextromethorphan), as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., major psychotic disorder).
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Capsules |
5 mg* |
Eldepryl |
Somerset |
Selegiline Hydrochloride Capsules |
||||
Tablets |
5 mg* |
Selegiline Hydrochloride Tablets |
||
Tablets, orally disintegrating |
1.25 mg |
Zelapar |
Valeant |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions May 7, 2018. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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