Drug Reference
Rasagiline
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors
Rx onlyControlled · controlled substance
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors
- Action class
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
- Mechanism
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Habit forming
- Yes — controlled substance
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
Azilect
Available as
1 MG · Oral Tablet0.5 MG · Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Rasagiline tablets are indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Rasagiline Tablets, a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitor (MAOI), is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease ( 1 )
How it works
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Rasagiline is a selective, irreversible MAO-B inhibitor indicated for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The results of a clinical trial designed to examine the effects of rasagiline on blood pressure when it is administered with increasing doses of tyramine indicates the functional selectivity can be incomplete when healthy subjects ingest large amounts of tyramine while receiving recommended doses of rasagiline. The selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B diminishes in a dose-related manner. MAO, a flavin-containing enzyme, is classified into two major molecular species, A and B, and is localized in mitochondrial membranes throughout the body in nerve terminals, brain, liver and intestinal mucosa. MAO regulates the metabolic degradation of catecholamines and serotonin in the CNS and peripheral tissues. MAO-B is the major form in the human brain. In ex vivo animal studies in brain, liver, and intestinal tissues, rasagiline was shown to be a potent, irreversible monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) selective inhibitor. Rasagiline at the recommended therapeutic dose was also shown to be a potent and irreversible inhibitor of MAO-B in platelets. The precise mechanisms of action of rasagiline are unknown. One mechanism is believed to be related to its MAO-B inhibitory activity, which causes an increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the striatum. The elevated dopamine level and subsequent increased dopaminergic activity are likely to mediate rasagiline's beneficial effects seen in models of dopaminergic motor dysfunction. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Tyramine Challenge Test Results of a tyramine challenge study indicate that rasagiline at recommended doses is relatively selective for inhibiting MAO-B and can be used without dietary tyramine restriction. However, certain foods (e.g., aged cheeses, such as Stilton cheese) may contain very high amounts of tyramine (i.e., 150 mg or greater) and could potentially cause severe hypertension caused by tyramine interaction in patients taking rasagiline tablets due to mild increased sensitivity to tyramine at recommended doses. Relative selectivity of rasagiline for inhibiting MAO-B diminished in a dose-related manner as the dose progressively increased above the highest recommended daily dose (1 mg) [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.7) ] . Platelet MAO Activity in Clinical Studies Studies in healthy subjects and in Parkinson's disease patients have shown that rasagiline inhibits platelet MAO-B irreversibly. The inhibition lasts at least 1 week after last dose. Almost 25% to 35% MAO-B inhibition was achieved after a single rasagiline dose of 1 mg/day and more than 55% of MAO-B inhibition was achieved after a single rasagiline dose of 2 mg/day. Over 90% inhibition was achieved 3 days after rasagiline daily dosing at 2 mg/day and this inhibition level was maintained 3 days postdose. Multiple doses of rasagiline of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Monotherapy: Rasagiline Tablets 1 mg once daily (2.1) As adjunct without levodopa: Rasagiline Tablets 1 mg once daily (2.1) As adjunct to levodopa: Rasagiline Tablets 0.5 mg once daily. Increase dose to 1 mg daily as needed for sufficient clinical response (2.1) Patients taking ciprofloxacin or other CYP1A2 inhibitors: Rasagiline Tablets 0.5 mg once daily (2.2, 5.4) Patients with mild hepatic impairment: Rasagiline Tablets 0.5 mg once daily. Rasagiline Tablets should not be used in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (2.3, 5.5) 2.1 General Dosing Recommendations When rasagiline tablets are prescribed as monotherapy or as adjunct therapy in patients not taking levodopa, patients may start rasagiline tablets at the recommended dose of 1 mg administered orally once daily. In patients taking levodopa, with or without other PD drugs (e.g., dopamine agonist, amantadine, anticholinergics), the recommended initial dose of rasagiline tablet is 0.5 mg once daily. If the patient tolerates the daily 0.5 mg dose, but a sufficient clinical response is not achieved, the dose may be increased to 1 mg once daily. When rasagiline tablets are used in combination with levodopa, a reduction of the levodopa dose may be considered, based upon individual response. The recommended doses of rasagiline tablets should not be exceeded because of risk of hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. 2.2 Patients Taking Ciprofloxacin or Other CYP1A2 Inhibitors Patients taking concomitant ciprofloxacin or other CYP1A2 inhibitors should not exceed a dose of rasagiline tablet 0.5 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7.6), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 2.3 Patients with Hepatic Impairment Patients with mild hepatic impairment should not exceed a dose of rasagiline tablet 0.5 mg once daily. Rasagiline tablets should not be used in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Use in Specific Populations (8.6), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in the Warnings and Precautions section of the label: Hypertension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Serotonin Syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypotension / Orthostatic Hypotension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Dyskinesia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hallucinations / Psychotic-Like Behavior [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Impulse Control /Compulsive Behaviors [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence 3% or greater than placebo): Rasagiline monotherapy: flu syndrome, arthralgia, depression, dyspepsia ( 6.1 ) Rasagiline used as adjunct without levodopa: peripheral edema, fall, arthralgia, cough, and insomnia ( 6.1 ) Rasagiline used as adjunct to levodopa: dyskinesia, accidental injury, weight loss, postural hypotension, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, rash, abnormal dreams, fall, and tenosynovitis ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Torrent Pharma Inc. at 1-800-912-9561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the incidence of adverse reactions in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates of adverse reactions observed in practice. During the clinical development of rasagiline tablets, Parkinson's disease patients received rasagiline tablets as initial monotherapy (Study 1) and as adjunct therapy (Study 2, Study 3, Study 4). As the populations in these studies differ, not only in the adjunct use of dopamine agonists or levodopa during rasagiline treatment, but also in the severity and duration of their disease, the adverse reactions are presented separately for each study. Monotherapy Use of Rasagiline Tablets In Study 1, approximately 5% of the 149 patients treated with rasagiline tablets discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions compared to 2% of the 151 patients who received placebo. The only adverse reaction that led to the discontinuation of more than one patient was hallucinations. The most commonly observed adverse reactions in Study 1 (incidence in rasagiline tablets -treated patients 3% or greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients) included flu syndrome, arthralgia, depression, and dyspepsia. Table 1 lists adverse reactions that occurred in 2% or greater of patients receiving rasagiline tablets as monotherapy and were numerically more frequent than in the placebo group in Study 1. Table 1: Adverse Reactions* in Study 1 *Incidence 2% or greater in rasagiline tablets 1 mg group and numerically more frequent than in placebo group Rasagiline tablets 1 mg (N=149) P l acebo (N=151) % of Patients % of Patients Headache 14 12 Arthralgia 7 4 Dyspepsia 7 4 Depression 5 2 Fall 5 3 Flu syndrome 5 1 Conjunctivitis 3 1 Fever 3 1 Gastroenteritis 3 1 Rhinitis 3 1 Arthritis 2 1 Ecchymosis 2 0 Malaise 2 0 Neck Pain 2 0 Paresthesia 2 1 Vertigo 2 1 There were no significant differences in the safety profile based on age or gender. Adjunct Use of Rasagiline Tablets Rasagiline tablets were studied as an adjunct therapy without levodopa (Study 2), or as an adjunct therapy to levodopa, with some patients also taking dopamine agonists, COMT inhibitors, anticholinergics, or amantadine (Study 3 and Study 4). In Study 2, approximately 8% of the 162 patients treated with rasagiline tablets discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions compared to 4% of the 164 patients who received placebo. Adverse reactions that led to the discontinuation of more than one patient were nausea and dizzi
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…oral administration of rasagiline to rats during gestation and lactation resulted in decreased survival and reduced body weight in the offspring at doses similar to those used clinically.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverConsult your doctor
…Rasagiline Tablets 0.5 mg once daily (2.2, 5.4) Patients with mild hepatic impairment: Rasagiline Tablets 0.5 mg once daily.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause hypertension (including severe hypertensive syndromes) at recommended doses (5.1) May cause serotonin syndrome when used with antidepressants (5.2) May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living, daytime drowsiness, and somnolence (5.3) May cause hypotension, especially orthostatic (5.6) May cause or exacerbate dyskinesia. Decreasing the levodopa dose may lessen or eliminate this side effect (5.7) May cause hallucinations and psychotic-like behavior (5.8) May cause impulse control/compulsive behaviors (5.9) May cause withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion (5.10) 5.1 Hypertension Exacerbation of hypertension may occur during treatment with rasagiline tablets. Medication adjustment may be necessary if elevation of blood pressure is sustained. Monitor patients for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not adequately controlled after starting rasagiline tablets. In Study 3, rasagiline (1 mg/day) given in conjunction with levodopa, produced an increased incidence of significant blood pressure elevation (systolic > 180 or diastolic > 100 mm Hg) of 4% compared to 3% for placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . When used as an adjunct to levodopa (Studies 3 and 4), the risk for developing post-treatment high blood pressure (e.g., systolic > 180 or diastolic >100 mm Hg) combined with a significant increase from baseline (e.g., systolic > 30 or diastolic > 20 mm Hg) was higher for rasagiline (2%) compared to placebo (1%). Dietary tyramine restriction is not required during treatment with recommended doses of rasagiline. However, certain foods that may contain very high amounts (i.e., more than 150 mg) of tyramine that could potentially cause severe hypertension because of tyramine interaction (including various clinical syndromes referred to as hypertensive urgency, crisis, or emergency) in patients taking rasagiline, even at the recommended doses, due to increased sensitivity to tyramine. Patients should be advised to avoid foods containing a very large amount of tyramine while taking recommended doses of rasagiline because of the potential for large increases in blood pressure including clinical syndromes referred to as hypertensive urgency, crisis, or emergency. Rasagiline is a selective inhibitor of MAO-B at the recommended doses of 0.5 or 1 mg daily. Selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B diminishes in a dose-related manner as the dose is progressively increased above the recommended daily doses. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin syndrome has been reported with concomitant use of an antidepressant (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors-SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors-SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, triazolopyridine antidepressants) and a nonselective MAOI (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or selective MAO-B inhibitors, such as selegiline (Eldepryl) and rasagiline. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported with concomitant use of rasagiline with meperidine, tramadol, methadone, or propoxyphene. Rasagiline is contraindicated for use with meperidine, tramadol, methadone, propoxyphene and MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), including other selective MAO-B inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2, 7.3)]. In the postmarketing period, potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients treated with antidepressants concomitantly with rasagiline tablets. Concomitant use of rasagiline with one of many classes of antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triazolopyridine, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants) is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.5)]. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome have included behavioral and cognitive/mental status changes (e.g., confusion, hypomania, hallucinations, agitation, delirium, headache, and coma), autonomic effects (e.g., syncope, shivering, sweating, high fever/hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, diarrhea), and somatic effects (e.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Rasagiline is contraindicated for use with meperidine, tramadol, methadone, propoxyphene and MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), including other selective MAO-B inhibitors, because of risk of serotonin syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of rasagiline and initiation of treatment with these medications. Rasagiline is contraindicated for use with St. John's wort and with cyclobenzaprine. Rasagiline is contraindicated for use with dextromethorphan because of risk of episode of psychosis or bizarre behavior. Concomitant use of meperidine, tramadol, methadone, propoxyphene dextromethorphan, St. John's wort, cyclobenzaprine, or another (selective or non-selective) MAO inhibitor ( 4 )
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Meperidine: Risk of serotonin syndrome (4, 7.1) Dextromethorphan: Risk of psychosis or bizarre behavior (4, 7.2) MAO inhibitors: Risk of non-selective MAO inhibition and hypertensive crisis (4, 7.3) 7.1 Meperidine Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been precipitated with concomitant use of meperidine (e.g., Demerol and other tradenames) and MAO inhibitors including selective MAO-B inhibitors [see Contraindications (4)] . 7.2 Dextromethorphan The concomitant use of rasagiline tablets and dextromethorphan was not allowed in clinical studies. The combination of MAO inhibitors and dextromethorphan has been reported to cause brief episodes of psychosis or bizarre behavior. Therefore, in view of rasagiline's MAO inhibitory activity, dextromethorphan is contraindicated for use with rasagiline tablets [see Contraindications (4)] . 7.3 MAO Inhibitors Rasagiline tablets are contraindicated for use with other MAO inhibitors because of the increased risk of nonselective MAO inhibition that may lead to a hypertensive crisis [see Contraindications (4)] . 7.4 Sympathomimetic Medications The concomitant use of rasagiline tablets and sympathomimetic medications was not allowed in clinical studies. Severe hypertensive reactions have followed the administration of sympathomimetics and nonselective MAO inhibitors. Hypertensive crisis has been reported in patients taking the recommended dose of rasagiline tablets and sympathomimetic medications. Severe hypertension has been reported in patients taking the recommended dose of rasagiline tablets and ophthalmic drops containing sympathomimetic medications. Because rasagiline is a selective MAOI, hypertensive reactions are not ordinarily expected with the concomitant use of sympathomimetic medications. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when concomitantly using recommended doses of rasagiline tablets with any sympathomimetic medications including nasal, oral, and ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies. 7.5 Antidepressants Concomitant use of rasagiline tablets with one of many classes of antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triazolopyridine, tricyclic, or tetracyclic antidepressants) is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Concomitant use of rasagiline and MAO inhibitors is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4)]. 7.6 Ciprofloxacin or Other CYP1A2 Inhibitors Rasagiline plasma concentrations may increase up to 2 fold in patients using concomitant ciprofloxacin and other CYP1A2 inhibitors. This could result in increased adverse events. Patients taking concomitant ciprofloxacin or other CYP1A2 inhibitors should not exceed a dose of rasagiline tablets 0.5 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . 7.7 Tyramine/Rasagiline Interaction MAO in the gastrointestinal tract and liver (primarily type A) provides protection from exogenous amines (e.g., tyramine) that have the capacity, if absorbed intact, to cause a tyramine reaction with hypertension including clinical syndromes referred to as hypertensive urgency, crisis, or emergency. Foods and medications containing large amounts of exogenous amines (e.g., from fermented cheese, herring, over-the-counter cough/cold medications) may cause release of norepinephrine resulting in a rise in systemic blood pressure. Results of a special tyramine challenge study indicate that rasagiline is selective for MAO-B at recommended doses and can be used without dietary tyramine restriction. However, certain foods may contain very high amounts (i.e., 150 mg or greater) of tyramine and could potentially cause a hypertensive reaction in individual patients taking rasagiline tablets due to increased sensitivity to tyramine. Selectivity for inhibiting MAO-B diminishes in a dose-related manner as the dose is progressively increased above the recommended daily doses. There were no cases of hypertensive crisis in the clinical development program associa
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE In a dose escalation study in patients on chronic levodopa therapy treated with 10 mg of rasagiline there were three reports of cardiovascular side effects (including hypertension and postural hypotension) which resolved following treatment discontinuation. Although no cases of overdose have been observed with rasagiline during the clinical development program, the following description of presenting symptoms and clinical course is based upon overdose descriptions of nonselective MAO inhibitors. The signs and symptoms of nonselective MAOI overdose may not appear immediately. Delays of up to 12 hours after ingestion of drug and the appearance of signs may occur. The peak intensity of the syndrome may not be reached until for a day following the overdose. Death has been reported following overdose; therefore, immediate hospitalization, with continuous patient observation and monitoring for at least two days following the ingestion of such drugs in overdose, is strongly recommended. The severity of the clinical signs and symptoms of MAOI overdose varies and may be related to the amount of drug consumed. The central nervous and cardiovascular systems are prominently involved. Signs and symptoms of MAOI overdose may include: drowsiness, dizziness, faintness, irritability, hyperactivity, agitation, severe headache, hallucinations, trismus, opisthotonos, convulsions, and coma; rapid and irregular pulse, hypertension, hypotension and vascular collapse; precordial pain, respiratory depression and failure, hyperpyrexia, diaphoresis, and cool, clammy skin. There is no specific antidote for rasagiline overdose. The following suggestions are offered based upon the assumption that rasagiline overdose may be modeled after nonselective MAO inhibitor poisoning. Treatment of overdose with nonselective MAO inhibitors is symptomatic and supportive. Respiration should be supported by appropriate measures, including management of the airway, use of supplemental oxygen, and mechanical ventilatory assistance, as required. Body temperature should be monitored closely. Intensive management of hyperpyrexia may be required. Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance is essential. For this reason, in cases of overdose with rasagiline, dietary tyramine restriction should be observed for several weeks to reduce the risk of hypertensive tyramine reaction. A poison control center should be called for the most current treatment guidelines. A postmarketing report described a
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.