Eldepryl

How does it work?

Eldepryl tablets and syrup contain the active ingredient selegiline hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor (MAOI-B). (NB. Selegiline is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Selegiline increases the levels of a substance in the brain called dopamine, and is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Dopamine is a substance known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are present in the brain and nervous system and are involved in transmitting messages between nerves. These messages allow the normal functioning of the body. The neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be reduced or absent in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, and this is thought to be the cause of the disease symptoms. The mainstay of treating Parkinson's disease is to replace dopamine in the brain. Natural dopamine released from nerve cells in the brain is normally broken down by an enzyme called monoamine-oxidase-B. Selegiline works by blocking the action of this enzyme, which prevents the monoamine-oxidase-B from breaking down the dopamine. This results in an increased amount of active dopamine in the brain, and this reduces the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Selegiline is usually used in combination with a medicine called levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain and therefore works by directly replacing the lost dopamine. Unfortunately, levodopa treatment tends to become less effective over time and patients tend to experience 'end-of-dose' deterioration, where the duration of benefit after each dose of levodopa becomes progressively shorter. Selegiline can be used to prolong the effect of levodopa, because it stops the dopamine that is formed from the levodopa from being broken down in the brain. This extends the action of levodopa thereby reducing the 'end-of-dose' side effects.

What is it used for?

Parkinson's disease

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

History of peptic ulcers

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Psychotic illness

Severe angina pectoris

Unstable high blood pressure

Not to be used in

Active peptic ulcer

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Dry mouth

Disturbed sleep

Confusion

Agitation

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Nausea and vomiting

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

Mouth ulcers (Zelapar brand of selegiline only)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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