rasagiline mesilate at a glance
Medicine class
Selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor
Usual role
Parkinson’s disease treatment, either alone or with levodopa
Administration
Oral tablet that may be taken with or without food
Food restrictions
Routine dietary tyramine restriction is not required
What is rasagiline mesilate used for?
Licensed in adults with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Used alone, without levodopa.
Used with levodopa in people experiencing end-of-dose fluctuations.
How does rasagiline mesilate work?
Rasagiline irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase-B, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. This increases dopamine activity in movement-related brain pathways and can improve Parkinson’s symptoms.
rasagiline mesilate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg
How to take rasagiline mesilate
Swallow the tablet by mouth as directed on the dispensing label. It may be taken with or without food. Do not stop or alter treatment without speaking to the prescriber, and check before using new prescription, pharmacy or herbal products.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if drowsiness or sudden sleep occurs.
Tell the prescriber about new involuntary movements, dizziness, hallucinations or unusual behaviour.
rasagiline mesilate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Involuntary movements, particularly when used with levodopa
- Dizziness or low blood pressure on standing
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort or dry mouth
- Hallucinations or abnormal dreams
- Joint or neck pain
- Falls
Get urgent medical advice
- Agitation, confusion, fever, sweating, tremor, muscle jerking or stiffness suggesting serotonin syndrome
- Sudden sleep episodes or severe daytime drowsiness
- New hallucinations, marked confusion or harmful impulse-control behaviours
- New or changing suspicious skin lesions
- Stroke symptoms, severe chest pain or a severe allergic reaction
rasagiline mesilate in pregnancy
There are no adequate data from pregnant women, so the product information advises avoiding rasagiline during pregnancy as a precaution. Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss treatment with the Parkinson’s specialist rather than stopping it independently.
rasagiline mesilate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether rasagiline enters human milk, and it may suppress prolactin and interfere with milk production. Breastfeeding requires an individual specialist assessment of maternal need and potential infant risk.
rasagiline mesilate interactions
Interaction screening is important before rasagiline is started or another product is added.
Other monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including St John’s wort
Concurrent use is contraindicated because non-selective MAO inhibition may cause a hypertensive crisis; a prescriber-managed washout is required.
Pethidine
Concurrent use is contraindicated because serious central nervous system reactions may occur.
Antidepressants
SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome; fluoxetine and fluvoxamine require particular avoidance and washout planning.
Common questions about rasagiline mesilate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can rasagiline mesilate be used without levodopa?
Yes. It is licensed as treatment on its own for adults with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Why is rasagiline mesilate added to levodopa?
It may be added when levodopa’s benefit wears off between treatments, helping increase dopamine activity.
Does rasagiline mesilate cure Parkinson’s disease?
No. It is used to manage symptoms; current Parkinson’s treatments do not cure the underlying condition.
Can rasagiline mesilate be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet may be taken with or without food.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.