Zelapar

Generic name:selegiline (oral) [ se-LE-ji-leen ]
Brand names: Eldepryl, Zelapar
Drug classes:Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 27, 2021.

What is Zelapar?

Zelapar prevents the breakdown of a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Low levels of dopamine are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Zelapar is used along with carbidopa and levodopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It works by helping levodopa to work against Parkinson disease for a longer period of time.

Zelapar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Zelapar. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zelapar if you are allergic to selegiline, or if you have taken fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem and others) within the past 5 weeks.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Zelapar. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan;

• cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril);

• meperidine (Demerol) or other narcotic (opioid) pain medicine;

• methadone;

• St. John's wort;

• tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet);

• an antidepressant - citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, venlafaxine, vilazodone, vortioxetine, and others; or

• an MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

After you stop taking Zelapar, you must wait at least 14 days before taking any of the medications listed above.

To make sure Zelapar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;

• high blood pressure; or

• phenylketonuria (Zelapar orally disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine).

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known whether Zelapar will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether selegiline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Zelapar?

Take Zelapar exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer th...