General Description : Increase your senior pet’s quality of life with this FDA-approved drug for canine senility and Cushing’s disease. Selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) provides help for pets who may be showing certain kinds of aging. Five tablet strengths are available in blister packs of 30 tablets each.
What is this drug?
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Also known as L-Deprenyl
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Used for the control of clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or senility in dogs and cats
Used for the control of clinical signs of Cushing’s disease caused by a pituitary tumor in dogs
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Not for use in dogs with behavior problems such as aggression
Not for use in dogs that have Cushing’s disease caused by some other reason than a pituitary tumor
Safety has not been established in breeding, pregnant or nursing pets
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to selegiline or like products
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully. Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
Do not give your pet aged cheese while on selegiline. It can cause severe high blood pressure or death.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. In dogs it is usually given once daily in the morning, and once in the evening for cats .
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Cushing’s disease: Your veterinarian will need to perform lab tests prior to initiating treatment with selegiline. After treatment, if you see no improvement in your dog within a month or two, contact your veterinarian for re-evaluation.
Baseline and periodic blood testing may be necessary to assess the pet’s health and response to selegiline.
Ensure your pet has fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is 16 hours or less before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements (or unusual food) that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Not for human use.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, hearing loss, trembling, itching, hair loss, anemia (pale gums)
Repetitive behaviors (ex. walking in circles, obsessive interest in something)
If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet’s eyes respond slowly to changes in light (ie. pupils do not get smaller with bright light) or your pet pants excessively, or has an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, agitation, swelling of the lips, tongue or face)
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with ephedrine or other MAOI’s (ex. amitraz – tick collars)
Discontinue selegiline at least 14 days prior to initiating treatment with some narcotic pain killers (ex. Demerol), phenylpropanolamine, SSRI’s (ex. fluoxetine) and tricyclic antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline)
Some narcotic pain killers (ex. Demerol), phenypropanolamine, SSRI’s (ex. fluoxetine) and tricyclic antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline) should not be used within 5 weeks of administering selegiline
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, selegiline should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about selegiline. If you have any questions or concerns about selegiline or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
