Eldepryl

Eldepryl is a prescription medicine that is approved to treat Parkinson's disease. This medication is only approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications and works by increasing the levels of a certain brain chemical (dopamine). The medication comes in capsule form and is typically taken twice a day. Eldepryl is not suitable for everyone and can cause bothersome and serious side effects. Common side effects of Eldepryl include nausea and dizziness.

 

What Is Eldepryl?

Eldepryl® (selegiline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease. It is approved for use in combination with carbidopa-levodopa medications (such as Sinemet®, Sinemet® CR, or Parcopa®).
 
(Click Eldepryl Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Eldepryl?

Brand-name Eldepryl is made by Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic Eldepryl is made by various manufacturers (see Generic Eldepryl).
 

How Does Eldepryl Work?

Eldepryl belongs to a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
 
A dopamine deficiency (caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells) in certain parts of the brain may be responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. An enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO) breaks down monoamine chemicals, including dopamine. By inhibiting MAO enzymes, Eldepryl helps to increase the amount of dopamine that the brain can use, helping to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
 
There are two types of MAO (type A and B). MAO-B is the main form in the brain and is also found in blood platelets. Although there is some MAO-A in the brain, it is found primarily in the digestive tract. MAO-A is responsible for breaking down dietary tyramine, an amino acid that affects blood pressure. Any medication that inhibits MAO-A stops the body's ability to break down tyramine and can cause a person's tyramine levels to become too high (which can be extremely dangerous). Although Eldepryl is "selective" for MAO-B, it can inhibit MAO-A to some extent (especially at higher doses).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;