Selegiline, also known as L-Deprenyl, is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that treats Cushing's Disease and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (senility). Selegiline requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
•
Easy to administer
•
Typically, once a day dosing
How it works:
Selegiline increases the concentration of a nervous system messenger chemical called dopamine. Higher levels of dopamine improve many cognitive processes. Treating Cushing's Disease has traditionally been centered on suppressing the adrenal glands production and release of cortisone. However, this approach has a high potential for side effects. Selegiline has allowed for a new approach by suppressing the pituitary gland directly.
Cautions:
Because Selegiline belongs to a class of drugs called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) it should not be given with antidepressants such as Prozac. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. If any serious side effects occur (difficulty breathing, hives, agitation, swelling of the lips, tongue or face), stop giving Selegiline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention. Make sure you tell your veterinarian what other medications you are giving your pet.
More Information:
Brand Name Anipryl (Pfizer Animal Health), Eldepryl (Somerset)
Generic Name Selegiline (see-ledge’-a-leen)
What is the most important information I should know about selegiline: Selegiline is a prescription medication FDA approved for veterinary use in the treatment of Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor in dogs. Selegiline is also used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction. Selegiline is available as 5mg tablets. The usual initial starting dose to treat Cushing's disease in dogs is 0.45mg per pound given once a day in the morning. If no results within 2 months may increase to 0.9mg per pound once a day. If still no response after one month of the increased dose, reevaluate the pet. The dose for canine cognitive dysfunction is 0.2-0.45mg per pound. It may take up to one month or more to see improvement. Do not give more of this medication than is prescribed without consulting your veterinarian. Selegiline may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
What is Selegiline: Selegiline, also known as L-deprenyl, is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOi) used in dogs for the treatment of Cushing's disease and canine cognitive dysfunction. It is not known specifically how selegiline works. However, it is believed that selegiline prevents the breakdown of dopamine. Selegiline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving selegiline to my pet: Selegiline should not be given if the pet is taking meperidine. Tell your veterinarian about any other medical conditions your pet has. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store selegiline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of selegiline overdose include excitement, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, severe headache, hallucinations, weakness, sweating and seizures.
What should I avoid while giving Selegiline to my pet: Selegiline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not give higher doses than those prescribed.
What are the possible side effects of Selegiline: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving selegiline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), a severe headache, restlessness, agitation, or irritability, sweating, convulsions, uncontrollable or irregular movements. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving selegiline and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops dizziness or drowsiness, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea, insomnia, mild confusion, agitation or anxiety, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Selegiline: Before giving selegiline tell your veterinarian if your pet is also taking fluoxetine or meperidine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about selegiline written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Selegiline is a prescription medication used in dogs for the treatment of Cushings disease caused by a pituitary tumor.
•
Selegiline is also used in dogs to treat canine cognitive dysfunction.
Tip: Do not give more of this medication than is prescribed without consulting your veterinarian. Selegiline may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs: (when used for cognitive dysfunction)
All weights
The starting dose for canine cognitive dysfunction is 0.2mg-0.45mg per pound of pets body weight. It may take up to one month or more to see improvement
Dogs: (when used for Cushings disease)
All weights
The usual starting dose to treat Cushings disease is 0.45mg per pound of pets body weight given once a day in the morning. If no result within two months, may increase to 0.9mg per pound of pets body weight. If still no response after one month of the increased dose, your pet should be reevaluated.
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Selegiline:
Active Ingredient (per tablet:
Amount
Selegiline hydrochloride, USP
5 mg
Other Ingredients: Citric Acid, Anhydrous Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, and Microcrystalline Cellulose.
Selegiline
3.5
5
8
8
Check the facts
I originally had started my 15-year-old poodle-bichon on Anipryl. When I tried to get a refill, they were out and have been each time, so I ended up getting the generic. I did not realize until today that the generic was half the mg amount. Benji has done so-so on the generic, but I don't think my vet realizes the difference either, as he has me giving him only 1-1/2 tabs a day when he should probably be taking at least 2 tabs a day. So I am holding my judgment on this for now.
04/19/2013
Do your own homework before you buy
When I read the label and realized that the Selegiline was an MAO inhibitor, I decided not to "roll the dice" and possibly compromise my dog.
I had relied on the advice of the vet, and should have done my homework before placing the order.
The dog is doing better on neurotransmitter enhancing supplements that I acquired.
03/18/2013
Unreasonable Cost
My dog needs 30mg daily and has taken anipryl; a single tablet daily makes a 30-day supply cost $95. This generic is a 5mg, meaning she'd need 6 a day; a 60-tablet bottle would be a 10-day supply at $143. I thought generics were supposed to save money...
07/01/2012
excellent
sammie is our female Shih-Tzu, she is doing very well, she is white and is 17 lbs she is 12 yrs old and she acts like a puppy, of course she is spoiled but such a good girl she is an indoor dog, the doctor said she does not look like she is 12, all I can say is she is very alert and she knows so much.
11/20/2009
Selegiline
So far, Scarlett is doing fine on Selegiline. She seems very active, playful, and is doing well. I am very pleased because she is my baby.
She's a 20 lb black an white Shih-Tzu and I love her. She's five years old and was diagnosed with Cushings Disease a couple of months ago.
11/16/2009
Thank-you for your question. Yes, you would have to increase the number of selegiline tablets from 1 to 3 in order to equal 15mg of Anipryl. Anipryl is currently out of stock. Hope this helps!
Yes, it can be crushed. Make sure to wear gloves and wash hands well. If adding to food, just add to a small amount of food to ensure that your pet will get the entire dose.
My 16 year old Jack Russell has been on Selegiline for about 7 months now to control canine cognitive dysfunction. He is also in the middle stages of renal failure -- kidney values are ok but protein leaking in the urine. He is also on spironolactone, thyroxine, amlodipine and enalapril. Recently he went off his food and lost a good bit of weight. We switched his food and he is eating & gaining weight again, but when he lost the weight he began losing the use of his hind legs. Our vet has recommended Rimadyl for this situation even though there is a contraindication with Selegiline--a judgment made as a quality of life call. My question is, what damage is this potentially going to do to him and what should we be watching for if/when the impact of this manifests itself?
Great question; in regards to drug interactions between Rimadyl and Selegiline, there is a magnified risk of behavioral fluctuations, including lethargy, hallucinations, disorientations, irritability, and sleep disturbances. You should also be observant for an increased incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, which include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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