Selegiline

Selegiline 5 mg Tablets - Comprehensive Review of this Parkinson's Disease Medicine

Introduction Selegiline 5 mg tablets are an oral prescription medication commonly used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa in the management of Parkinson's disease. It belongs to the class of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors. Selegiline works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, thereby decreasing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia (slow movement).

In this article, we will thoroughly review Selegiline 5 mg tablets and cover their uses, dosage, benefits, side effects, drug interactions, and their availability at online pharmacies. Let's dive into more details about this important Parkinson's disease medication.

What is Selegiline? Selegiline, also known by the brand name Eldepryl, is an irreversible selective MAO-B inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the activity of MAO-B, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting MAO-B, selegiline increases the levels of dopamine in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain involved in motor control. This helps to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Selegiline is available as oral tablets in strengths of 5 mg. It is usually taken once or twice daily with food. The maximum recommended daily dose of selegiline is 10 mg.

Uses of Selegiline 5 mg Tablets Selegiline 5 mg tablets are used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa in the treatment of:

1. Parkinson's disease: Selegiline is used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It can also help to reduce the "off" time in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who are taking levodopa.

2. Parkinson's disease with L-DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors: Selegiline may be used along with levodopa and L-DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors like carbidopa in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who experience motor fluctuations.

Benefits of Selegiline 5 mg Tablets Selegiline 5 mg tablets have several benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease:

1. Increased dopamine levels: Selegiline inhibits the breakdown of dopamine by MAO-B, leading to increased levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. This helps to alleviate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

2. Improved motor function: Selegiline can help to improve motor function, reduce tremors, and increase the speed of movement in patients with Parkinson's disease.

3. Reduced "off" time: In advanced Parkinson's disease patients, selegiline can reduce the "off" time (periods of decreased mobility) and increase the "on" time (periods of improved mobility).

4. Delayed levodopa dose: Selegiline can delay the need for increasing the dose of levodopa, as it helps to maintain the therapeutic levels of dopamine in the brain.

5. Well-tolerated: Selegiline is generally well-tolerated and can be used safely in combination with levodopa and other Parkinson's disease medications.

Side Effects of Selegiline 5 mg Tablets Selegiline 5 mg tablets may cause some side effects, although not everyone may experience them. Common side effects of selegiline include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Agitation or aggression

Rare but serious side effects of selegiline may include:

• Serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition)
• Hypertensive crisis (sudden and severe increase in blood pressure)
• Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• Angioedema (swelling under the skin)

It's essential to discuss any side effects with the doctor or pharmacist. They may adjust the dose or recommend ways to manage the side effects.

Drug Interactions with Selegiline 5 mg Tablets Selegiline 5 mg tablets may interact with certain medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing their efficacy. Some of the drugs that may interact with selegiline include:

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs)
• Narcotics (meperidine, tramadol, methadone)
• Amphetamines
• Methylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines

Before taking selegiline, inform the doctor about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins being used. Avoid taking selegiline with antidepressants or other MAOIs, as it may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Contraindications of Selegiline 5 mg Tablets Selegiline 5 mg tablets are contraindicated in:

1. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to selegiline or any of its ingredients.
2. Patients taking antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs) or other MAOIs.
3. Patients taking pethidine (meperidine), as it may lead to serotonin syndrome.
4. Patients with pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland).
5. Patients with severe hypertension.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Selegiline 5 mg tablets are classified as Pregnancy Category C. There are limited data available on the use of selegiline during pregnancy. The doctor may recommend selegiline during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, breastfeeding is contraindicated during selegiline treatment, as it is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the baby.

Dosage and Administration The recommended starting dose of selegiline for Parkinson's disease is 5 mg orally once daily, usually in the morning before breakfast. The dose may be increased to 10 mg (5 mg twice daily) after a minimum of 6 weeks. Selegiline should be taken with food to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Monitoring Regular monitoring is essential during selegiline treatment. The doctor may check for signs of hypertensive crisis, serotonin syndrome, or other side effects. Blood pressure monitoring is crucial, especially in patients with a history of hypertension.

Availability and Cost Selegiline 5 mg tablets are available at most retail pharmacies and online pharmacies. The cost of selegiline may vary depending on the location and the pharmacy. However, online pharmacies often offer competitive pricing and discounts. It's important to purchase selegiline from a reputable online pharmacy to ensure the authenticity and quality of the medication.

Conclusion Selegiline 5 mg tablets are a valuable addition to the treatment of Parkinson's disease, particularly for patients with advanced disease who experience motor fluctuations. By inhibiting MAO-B, selegiline increases dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating the motor symptoms and reducing the "off" time. While generally well-tolerated, selegiline may cause some side effects, and drug interactions should be carefully considered. Regular monitoring by the doctor is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment with selegiline.

If you have been prescribed selegiline 5 mg tablets for Parkinson's disease, it's essential to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and attend regular follow-up appointments. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. With proper use and under close medical supervision, selegiline can offer significant benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease.