Selegiline
This medicine may be given with or without food. Dogs usually get the daily dose in the morning and cats in the evening.
•May take several weeks to see if the drug is working.
•Have your veterinarian approve changes to diet/snacks and flea/tick treatments (eg, collars, spot-ons) before using with selegiline.
•Side effects include gastrointestinal problems (eg, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, drooling) and behavioral changes.
How is this medication useful?
In dogs and cats, selegiline may be used to treat the signs (eg, anxiety, sleep disturbances, vocalization) associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (old animal dementia). This medicine is also sometimes used in dogs to treat Cushing’s disease (high levels of stress hormones in the body). The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in dogs and humans. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe and use products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many things might affect how well this drug will work in your animal. Be sure to discuss the following with your veterinarian so together you can make the best treatment decisions.
•Other drugs and foods can cause problems when taken with selegiline, so be sure to tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what medications (including flea and tick collars, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) you give your animal, including the amount and time you give each.
•Tell your veterinarian about any conditions or diseases your animal may have now or has had in the past.
•Ingredients (eg, amitraz) found in some flea and tick collars can interact with selegiline so let your veterinarian know if your animal wore one in the past two weeks.
•If your animal has been treated for the same disease or condition in the past, tell your veterinarian about the treatment and how well it did or didn't work.
•If your animal is pregnant or nursing, talk to your veterinarian about the risks of using this drug.
•Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any medication side effects (including allergic reactions, lack of appetite, diarrhea, itching, hair loss) your animal has developed in the past.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medication takes several doses before you will see any effect. The medication’s full effects may not be evident until your animal has taken it consistently for several weeks, but you will see a gradual improvement of your animal’s clinical signs until the medication becomes fully effective. The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours, although the benefits may be prolonged if your animal has decreased kidney and/or liver function.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No drug is 100% safe in all patients, but your veterinarian will discuss with you any specific concerns about using this drug in your animal.
This drug SHOULD NOT be used in patients:
•That are allergic to it.
•That are using a tick collar or spot-on treatment that contains amitraz.
This drug should be used WITH CAUTION in patients:
•That are receiving or have received other drug treatments (within the past 5 weeks) for behavior problems, pain control, or urinary incontinence.
If your animal matches any of these descriptions, talk to your veterinarian about the potential risks versus benefits.
What are the side effects of this medication?
Side effects that usually are not serious include:
•Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation (drooling), reduced appetite.
•Restlessness, repetitive movements (eg, walking in circles), licking, shivers/trembles/shakes, and lack of energy.
•Itchiness.
You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.
Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:
•Diminished hearing, deafness (rare).
•Panting more than usual.
If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you witness or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for further advice. Animal poison control centers that are open 24 hours a day include: Pet Poison HELPLINE (855-764-7661) and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435); a consultation fee is charged for these services.
How should this medication be given?
For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. It’s a good idea to always check the prescription label to be sure you are giving the drug correctly.
•The medicine may be given either with food or on an empty stomach. If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
•Selegiline is usually given once a day. Dogs usually get it in the morning and cats in the evening.
•Compounded liquid forms of this medication must be measured carefully. Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help by providing special measuring spoons or syringes.
•If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to help with dosing and reducing the stress of medication time.
•Patients are usually on this medication for an extended period, often for the rest of their lives. Give this medication according to the label’s instructions and obtain refills as needed. Before stopping this medication, talk to your veterinarian, as there may be important reasons to continue its use.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time. After that, return to the regular dosing schedule. Do not double-up or give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
•Store this medication in the original prescription bottle or an approved dosage reminder container (ie, pill minder) at room temperature and protected from light. Protect orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) from moisture.
•If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made (compounded) a special formulation for your animal, follow the storage recommendations and expiration date for the product.
•Keep away from children and other animals.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
There are no specific precautions required when handling this medication unless you are allergic to it. Wash your hands after handling any medication.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
•Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. If a community drug “take-back” program is available, use this option. If there is no take-back program, mix the drug with coffee grounds or cat litter (to make it undesirable to children and animals and unrecognizable to people who might go through your trash), place the mixture in a sealable plastic bag to keep it from leaking out, and throw the bag out with the regular trash.
•Do not save leftover medication for future use or give it to others to use.
What other information is important for this medication?
•Some foods may cause problems when given with selegiline. Do not change your animal’s diet or give snacks (especially aged cheese) that have not been approved by your veterinarian.
•Some tick collars or spot-on tick treatments containing amitraz may interact with selegiline. Have your veterinarian approve these products before using them.
•Use of this drug may not be allowed in certain animal competitions. Check rules and regulations before entering your animal in a competition while this medication is being administered.