[Rasagiline in Parkinson's disease]

Abstract

Rasagiline is a selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor. It is not metabolized to amphetamine derivatives. It has been shown to be safe and efficacious as monotherapy in early PD, as well as adjuvant therapy in levodopa-treated patients with mild motor complications. Rasagiline can be used with other antiparkinsonian drugs. Tolerance is good even in aged patients. Posology is simple and convenient (once a day). Its early use seems to improve the outcome of parkinsonian patients. Furthermore, a potential neuroprotective effect has been suggested in experimental studies. Results of the ADAGIO study are awaited with interest. Therefore, rasagiline is especially well suited as to be used as the initial treatment of PD.