Rasagiline (Azilect) is an irreversible, selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B), used for the treatment of symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

How to Use Rasagiline (Azilect)

Recommended Dosage Regimens

Monotherapy: The recommended dosage is 1 mg, taken orally once daily. It can be administered with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at a fixed time.

Adjuvant Therapy: When used in combination with levodopa, the recommended initial dosage is 0.5 mg once daily. If the clinical response is insufficient, the dosage can be increased to 1 mg once daily. In case of dopaminergic side effects (such as dyskinesia, hallucinations), consideration should be given to reducing the dosage of levodopa.

Administration Precautions

Swallow Whole: The tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split.

Missed Dose Handling: If a dose is missed, do not make up for it; continue with the next scheduled dose as planned.

Dietary Restrictions: Foods and beverages rich in tyramine (such as aged cheese, pickled herring, certain red wines, etc.) should be avoided to prevent hypertensive crisis.

Dosage Adjustment of Rasagiline (Azilect)

Dosage Adjustment Related to Adverse Reactions

Dosage adjustment of rasagiline is mainly based on the severity of adverse reactions.

Hepatic Impairment: For patients with mild impairment (Child-Pugh score 5-6), the dosage should be reduced to 0.5 mg/day; it is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥ 7).

Concomitant Use with Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: When used together with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., ciprofloxacin), the dosage should be reduced to 0.5 mg/day.

Severe Adverse Reactions: In cases of severe adverse reactions (such as hypertensive crisis, psychiatric symptoms), the medication should be discontinued immediately and medical attention sought.

Management of Specific Adverse Reactions

Hypertensive Crisis: Discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical help.

Psychiatric Symptoms: For symptoms such as hallucinations, consider reducing the dosage or discontinuing the medication.

Dyskinesia: This may occur when used in combination with levodopa; the dosage of levodopa can be reduced.

Use of Rasagiline (Azilect) in Special Populations

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Mild Impairment: Reduce the dosage to 0.5 mg/day.

Moderate to Severe Impairment: Contraindicated.

Patients with Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment; there is limited data on the use of rasagiline in patients with end-stage renal disease, so it should be used with caution.

Pregnant and Lactating Women

Pregnant Women: Use only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Lactating Women: Rasagiline may inhibit lactation, so it should be used with caution.

Pediatric Patients and Elderly Patients

Pediatric Patients: The efficacy in patients under 18 years of age has not been established.

Elderly Patients: No special dosage adjustment is required.