Selegiline is a Parkinson’s medication that has multiple oral side effects and crucial drug warnings dentists must know:
Generic Name: Selegiline
Brand Name(s): Zelapar, Eldepryl
Pronunciation: se LE ji leen
About this drug:
Selegiline is used with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by preventing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
In its transdermal patch formulation, this drug is also approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Selegiline may cause mouth sores and ulcers, especially if the tablet is orally disintegrating.
This medication may cause burning lips or mouth, alteration of taste, and bruxism.
Selegiline may cause xerostomia.
Common local anesthetics such as Articaine (Septocaine, Ultacan), Bupivacaine (Marcaine, Sensorcaine), Lidocaine (Xylocaine), Ropivacaine (Naropin), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine, Polocaine) can cause hypotension, including orthostasis, in patients taking Selegiline.
Avoid or monitor blood pressure when giving Epinephrine with Selegiline as this combination may increase the risk of prolonged extreme hypertension.
Do not prescribe narcotics such as Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Tramadol within 14 days of the patient taking Selegiline, as the combination cause serotonin syndrome, CNS and respiratory depression, diminished psychomotor function, and severe hypotension.
Do not prescribe the oxazolidinone antibiotic Linezolid within 14 days of Selegiline to decrease the risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertension, including hypertensive crisis (if needed, may take Selegiline 24 hours after last dose of Linezolid).
Selegiline also has drug interactions with muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and Propofol. Make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.
Fun facts:
Studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk (2- to ~6-fold higher) of developing melanoma than the general population.
Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used off-label to treat early Parkinson disease and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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