Selegiline HCL

Selegiline HCL is a type of medicine known as a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor. It increases the level of a substance in the brain called dopamine. Selegiline is indicated for the management of Parkinson’s disease patients who are using levodopa/ Carbidopa and are exhibiting worsening in the quality of their response to the treatment. It’s one of the recommended anti-Parkinson’s disease medications that you can take along with levodopa/ carbidopa.

What condition does Selegiline HCL treat?

Selegiline is used to manage and treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes difficulties with movement. It does not cure the condition but it may help improve the symptoms of PD such as:

• Muscle stiffness
• Shakiness or tremor
• Sudden switching between stiffness and normal movement
• Loss of normal movement

Selegiline may improve the ability of people with PD to walk, dress, and exercise.

How does Selegiline HCL work?

• As a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor, Selegiline increases the amount of dopamine in the brain needed to control movement. It blocks the action of the enzyme called monoamine- oxidase-B and prevents it from breaking down the dopamine. The increased amount of dopamine in the brain reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
• Dopamine is a natural substance known as a neurotransmitter involved in transmitting a message between nerve cells. These messages allow for the normal functioning of the brain.
• The dopamine level of people with Parkinson’s disease is thought to be reduced or absent.
• When used along with levodopa, Selegiline decreases the required dose of levodopa. As a result, it reduces the motor complications, increases the length of time levodopa/ Carbidopa needed to control PD symptoms, and stopping the effect of the medicine from wearing out.

What is the dosage of Selegiline HCL?

The recommended dose for Parkinson’s disease in an adult is 5 mg two times a day taken at breakfast and lunch. The effect of the medicine can be observed within 1 hour after intake. The duration of the effect lasts for an average of 24 to 72 hours after administration.

How to take Selegiline HCL?

• Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor.
• Do not take more or less than what is prescribed or for longer than the required duration of treatment. Taking too much Selegiline can cause a sudden increase in your blood pressure.
• Inform your doctor if you will experience stomach pain, nausea, or dizziness. Your doctor may decrease your dose of levodopa/ carbidopa during your treatment.
• If you wish to stop with your medication talk to your doctor. Abrupt stopping of drugs like this one can cause muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, fever, and sweating. To prevent this from happening, your doctor may have to gradually reduce your dose.

What are the precautions in taking Selegiline HCL?

• Avoid drinking an alcoholic beverage while taking Selegiline.
• Resume physical activities gradually as your symptoms start to improve. However, start slowly. You need to allow your body to time to adjust to movement, coordination, and changing balance.
• Selegiline is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor about the risk and benefits you can get before using this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
• This medication may help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but it will not cure the condition.
• Before you take this medicine, inform your doctor what prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. Inform also your doctor if you are taking a vitamin, herbal products, and nutritional supplements.
• Use Selegiline with caution among patients with:
  • Unstable high blood pressure
  • Severe angina pectoris
  • Decreased kidney and liver functions
  • Psychotic illness
  • History of peptic ulcers
  • Irregular heartbeats
• Do not use among patients with:
  • Active peptic ulcers
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • A hereditary blood disorder called porphyrias
  • Who are taking antidepressants, strong opioid painkillers, triptans for migraine, and linezolid antibiotics
  • Who are allergic to any of its ingredients
• Do not use this in combination with levodopa in any of the following conditions:
  • High blood pressure
  • Advanced dementia
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Prostate cancer
  • Overactive thyroid gland
  • Tumor of the adrenal gland
  • Psychotic illness
  • Severe disease involving the heart and blood vessels
• There are no restrictions on foods and beverages if you are taking this medicine at a dose of 10 mg or less per day. However, a dose higher than 10 mg per day can cause dangerous reactions such as a sudden increase in blood pressure.
• Some patients may experience unusual changes in their behavior such as an increased interest with sex and problems with gambling. If you noticed any changes in the behavior of the patients receiving the treatment, talk with the doctor.
• Selegiline can cause light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. Avoid doing potentially hazardous activities like driving while using this medicine.
• In case of serious side effects, seek medical help as soon as possible. Serious side effects may include:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • An unusual movement that is difficult to control
  • Chest pain
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Sweating
  • Hallucinations

Costs of Generic Selegiline HCL vs. Eldepryl

Selegiline is an inexpensive drug used for the management and treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It’s a lot cheaper compared with the brand name Eldepryl.  Selegiline 5 mg cost $0.40 per unit price or $12 for 30 pills. While the brand name Eldepryl 5 mg costs $3.78 per unit price or $113.28 for 30 pills