MAO Type B Inhibitors

Selegiline and rasagiline are used in conjunction with levodopa/carbidopa to treat Parkinson's Disease.  These medications inhibit MAO type B and are thought to increase dopamine levels in the brain.  Selegiline is metabolized to a form of amphetamine, so caution for use prior to bed as this may cause trouble with sleep.

Class Drug

• Selegiline

• Rasagiline

Class Mechanism of Action

Selective MAO Type B Inhibitor

• MAO Type B metabolizes dopamine.

• Rasagiline is an irreversible inhibitor of MAO Type B.

Class Application

Parkinson's Disease

• Increases dopamine levels.

• Used in combination with levodopa.

Class Adverse Effects

• See individual drugs below.

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Selegiline	Parkinson's Disease	Hypertension: ; At high doses, drug loses specificity for MAO type B and becomes non-selective, which can result in severe hypertension; Insomnia: ; Selegiline is metabolized to amphetamine and methamphetamine, which results in stimulatory effects	"Sledgehammer" "Line"
Rasagiline	Parkinson's Disease	Selective for MAO type B and less likely to cause non-selective MAO inhibitor symptoms.; Not metabolized to amphetamine or methamphetamine, resulting in less of a stimulatory effect from metabolites.; Irreversible inhibitor	"Rash" and "Line"