Selegiline
Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor used primarily to treat Parkinson's disease, either as monotherapy in early stages or as an adjunct to levodopa in more advanced cases. At higher doses, it also inhibits MAO-A and has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression.
Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N04BD01
- RxNorm
- 9639
- Generic
- Selegiline
- Class
- atc-n04
- Brands
- Emsam, Zelapar, Anipryl
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 6-12mg/24 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (patch replaced every 24 hours)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if clearly needed with close supervision
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before third trimester if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
nursing mothersavoid
do not breastfeed during treatment as selegiline passes into breast milk
infant monitoring for irritability and sleep disturbances
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest effective dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to side effects; monitor for orthostatic hypotension and confusion
regular monitoring of blood pressure and cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for use in patients under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno initial adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severe renal impairmentreduce dose
use lower doses and monitor closely; consider reduced frequency
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentuse lower starting dose
use with caution; start at lowest effective dose
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
not recommended in moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to significantly reduced metabolism
liver function monitoring required if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approved for Parkinson's disease
Initial FDA approval for Parkinson's disease treatment
Drug class
Monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
FDA approved for depression (Emsam)
Transdermal patch formulation for depression
Selegiline is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, where it may be used alone in early-stage disease or combined with levodopa/carbidopa in patients experiencing wearing-off phenomena. At oral doses above 20mg daily, it carries indications for major depressive disorder.
Selegiline works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), which is responsible for breaking down dopamine in the brain. By preventing dopamine degradation, it increases dopamine availability at synapses, helping to compensate for the dopaminergic neuron loss characteristic of Parkinson's disease. At higher doses, it also inhibits MAO-A, affecting serotonin and norepinephrine metabolism.
At standard Parkinson's doses (5-10mg daily), dietary tyramine restrictions are generally not required due to MAO-B selectivity. However, at higher antidepressant doses, patients must follow strict tyramine dietary restrictions to avoid hypertensive crisis. Selegiline should not be combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other MAOIs due to risk of serotonin syndrome. Patches contain different dosing and carry separate dietary restriction requirements regardless of dose.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy