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Selegiline

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first - stopping suddenly can cause problems.

About selegiline

Type of medicine Dopaminergic drug
Used for Parkinson's disease
Also called Eldepryl®, Zelapar®
Available as Tablet, oral liquid, and lyophilisate tablet (dissolve in the mouth)

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown but the symptoms of tremor, stiffness and slow movement are due to there being less of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Selegiline increases the effect of dopamine in the brain and so relieves these symptoms. It may be used together with another drug called levodopa.

Before taking selegiline

Before taking selegiline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from blood pressure problems, arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), angina (chest pain) or mental health problems.
  • If you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take selegiline

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • The dose of selegiline oral lyophilisate should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Take it in the morning, at least 5 minutes before breakfast. Do not drink or rinse your mouth for at least five minutes after taking your dose of selegiline.
  • The tablets or liquid can be taken as a single dose in the morning, or alternatively, a half-dose may be taken in a morning and the other half-dose at lunchtime. Your doctor will tell you how to take your dose.
  • Try to take selegiline at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose of selegiline gradually before stopping.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can selegiline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice, or sugar-free sweets
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Light-headedness when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint, then sit for a few minutes before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Difficulty sleeping, confusion, hallucinations, vertigo (sensation of spinning), abnormal movements, shakiness, back pain, sore mouth If troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store selegiline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Eldepryl®, Orion Pharma (UK) Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised July 2006, accessed 3 April 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Zelapar®, Zeneus Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised February 2005, accessed 3 April 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3356		 DocRef:
dils2357		 Last Updated:
8 Jul 2008		 Date of Next Review:
8 Jul 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

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See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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