Azilect (Rasagiline) tablets contain the active ingredient rasagiline mesilate, which is a type of medicine called a selective monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor (MAOI-B). Azilect increases the levels of a substance in the brain called dopamine, and are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, tyramine and similar chemicals that serve as neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. There are generally two types of monoamine oxidase enzymes, MAO-A and MAO-B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors restrain one or both enzymes resulting in increased levels of the chemicals normally broken down by MAO-A or MAO-B. Azilect inhibits MAO-B, but it is not clear whether rasagiline also inhibits MAO-A. Azilect exact mechanism of action is not known; however, by inhibiting MAO-B Azilect reduces the breakdown of dopamine resulting in increased levels of dopamine in the brain. Increased dopamine levels lessen the symptoms of Parkinson?s disease. The FDA approved Azilect recently.

Side Effects of Azilect

Enzymes in the liver eliminate Azilect. Ciprofloxacin inhibits the enzymes in the liver that eliminate Azilect, thereby increasing blood levels and possibly side effects of Azilect.

Headache, Difficulty performing voluntary movements, resulting in jerky or involuntary movements or muscle twitches (dyskinesia), Pain in the joints, Indigestion, Flu-like symptoms, Depression, Drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying or sitting position to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension), Constipation, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Dry mouth, Fever, Inflammation of the nasal lining (rhinitis) causing stuffy or runny nose, Conjunctivitis, General feeling of being unwell (malaise).