Selegiline

What is selegiline?

Selegiline (brand names: Anipryl®, Eldepryl®, l-deprenyl®, Selgian®, Zelapar®) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat signs due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs and cats. It has also been used to treat pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease, although its effectiveness has not been proven.

It has also been used to treat anxiety and certain phobias in combination with other medications. Its use in cats to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome is off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. 

“Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label. 

How is selegiline given? 

• Selegiline is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or capsule, or it may be administered as a transdermal patch on the skin, which is applied by your veterinarian. It may also be compounded into a liquid form; measure liquid forms carefully.
• Selegiline may be given with or without food but should not be given with aged cheeses.
• If your pet vomits when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. If stomach upset still occurs, stop this medication for a few days, and restart at a lower dose according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
• If your pet is on once-daily dosing, give it in the morning to dogs and give it at night for cats.

Many medications interact with selegiline (see below). Selegiline may need to be discontinued for at least 14 days prior to starting other medications. Always check with your veterinarian before giving or applying anything to your pet.

This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are obvious, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects?

Selegiline may cause the following side effects:

• Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite
• Restlessness
• Disorientation, confusion
• Aggression
• Repetitive movements
• Tiredness
• Drooling, licking
• Itchiness
• Trembling

Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving selegiline and contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Deafness
• Panting more than usual

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE selegiline in pets that:

• Are allergic to it
• Are aggressive
• Are receiving other MAOIs (including certain tick collars and other tick treatments), meperidine, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or alpha-2 agonists

USE WITH CAUTION in pets that:

• Have debilitating diseases
• Are pregnant or lactating (safe use has not been established)

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Medications that should NOT be used with selegiline are listed above, but there are also several medications that should be used with caution when given with selegiline, including:

• Amitraz
• Amitriptyline
• Bupropion
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Metoclopramide
• Opioids
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store selegiline?

• Store veterinary tablets at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Store human-labeled tablets and capsules between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Protect from light.
• Store compounded liquid forms according to the label.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.