Where is Rasagiline Mesylate used?
Rasagiline Mesylate is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This is used alone or in combination with other medications such as carbidopa/levodopa. Rasagiline is a type of medicine called a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor (MAOI-B). This medicine helps improve symptoms such as stiffness, shakiness, and difficulty moving. This may also help lessen the amount of ‘off’ time or periods of slow movement stiffness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication.
How does Rasagiline Mesylate work?
Rasagiline Mesylate increases the levels of a substance in the brain which is dopamine. It is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine is a substance called a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are found in the nervous system and brain. They are involved in transmitting messages between nerves. These messages allow the normal functioning of the body. The neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be reduced or absent in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease. This is thought to be the cause of symptoms of the disease. The basis of treating Parkinson’s disease is to replace dopamine in the brain.
Natural dopamine released from nerve cells in the brain is normally broken down by an enzyme called monoamine-oxidase-B. This medication works by blocking the action of this enzyme. It prevents the monoamine-oxidase-B from breaking down dopamine. This results in an increased amount of active dopamine in the brain. This reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How is Rasagiline Mesylate taken?
The recommended dosage will depend on your condition and treatment. Take this medication by mouth with or without food. This is usually taken once a day. Take this regularly or as directed by your doctor.
Make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking including vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements. Do not increase your dose or take it more than the prescribed dosage. Your condition will not improve faster or your risk of certain side effects will increase. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. Doing so, your condition may become worse. Your dose may need to slow decreased.
What are the possible side effects of Rasagiline Mesylate?
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
What are the precautions in using Rasagiline Mesylate?
- Consult first your doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman before taking this medication. This may not be taken by pregnant women and do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. You can only take a dose of this drug if needed.
- This medicine should be used with caution in people with decreased liver function.
- This is not recommended for use in people with severely decreased liver function or taking other monoamine oxidase inhibitor medicines.
- This drug should not be given to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies. This drug may contain substances or ingredient that causes allergic reactions. Do not use this if you ever had an allergic reaction before.
- Keep the medicine in a dry and clean place.
