Selegiline Hydrochloride Oral disintegrating... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Selegiline Hydrochloride Oral disintegrating tablet

Brand name(s):

Atapryl, Carbex, Eldepryl, Selegiline Hydrochloride, Zelapar

What is this medicine?

SELEGILINE (se LE ji leen) is an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used with levodopa-carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is usually added to therapy when there is a decrease in response to levodopa.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• phenylketonuria
• an unusual or allergic reaction to selegiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth in the morning. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not push the tablet through the foil backing. Peel back the foil with dry hands, gently remove the tablet, and immediately place the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve in seconds. Do not swallow it. Wait about 5 minutes after taking your medicine before ingesting any food or liquid. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• altretamine
• atomoxetine
• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• cocaine
• dextromethorphan
• diphenoxylate
• ephedrine
• herbal medicines like ginseng, green tea, guarana, SAM-e, and St. John's Wort
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• local anesthetics
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• meperidine
• procarbazine
• pseudoephedrine
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate
• tramadol
• tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for high blood pressure
• prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.