Selegiline
Selegiline (L-deprenyl) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor authorized for the treatment of behavioural disorders of purely emotional origin, such as **depression** and **anxiety**. It is often used in association with behaviour therapy for conditions involving overactivity, separation problems, generalized phobia, and unsociable behaviour. These emotional disorders are typically characterized by modifications in feeding, drinking, autostimulatory behaviour, sleep, exploratory behaviour, fear/irritation-related aggression, and somatic disorders (e.g., tachycardia, emotional micturition). > **Clinical Pearl:** Selegiline is highly indicated for **canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)**, especially when associated with anxiety or social withdrawal, and can also be used to treat signs of cognitive decline in older cats. Uniquely, treatment can be stopped suddenly without the need for gradual dose reduction.
Mecanismo: Selegiline modifies the concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, especially **phenylethylamine** and **dopamine**, by selectively inhibiting the activity of **Type-B monoamine oxidase (MAO-B)**, the enzyme that normally breaks down these chemicals. MAO-B inhibition → decreased breakdown of dopamine → increased dopamine concentrations in the CNS. It also appears to possess **neuroprotective properties**.
Dosificación por especie
- Behavioural disorders and cognitive dysfunction · 0.5-1 mg/kg · PO · q24h · minimum of 2 months · Treatment can be stopped suddenly without gradual dose reduction.
- Cognitive decline in older cats · 1 mg/kg · PO · q24h · Not specified · Treatment can be stopped suddenly without gradual dose reduction.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para veterinarios colegiados. Confirme siempre con la ficha técnica vigente y el paciente individual.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Known sensitivity to selegiline
- Lactating bitches (acts on prolactin secretion)
- Pregnant bitches
Efectos adversos
- No specific adverse reactions are listed in the monograph
- Clinical Pearl: May occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset, restlessness, or lethargy
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Alpha-2 antagonists · Should not be administered concurrently or within 24 hours before/after use · major
- Pethidine · Contraindicated concurrent use · major
- Ephedrine · Contraindicated concurrent use · major
- Amitraz · Potential MAOI interaction; contraindicated · major
- Phenothiazines · Contraindicated concurrent use · major
- Morphine · Potentiates the effect of morphine · moderate
- Metronidazole · Potential interaction exists · minor
- Prednisolone · Potential interaction exists · minor
- Trimethoprim · Potential interaction exists · minor
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, clomipramine) · Do not use selegiline for at least 2-3 weeks after TCA use · major
- Fluoxetine · Do not use selegiline for at least 6 weeks after long-term fluoxetine use · major
Monitorización
- Improvement in behavioural signs (anxiety, phobias, social withdrawal)
- Improvement in cognitive function (disorientation, sleep-wake cycle alterations)
- Adverse drug interactions if other medications are introduced
Sobredosis
No specific overdose information is provided in the monograph. **Clinical Pearl:** Overdoses of MAOIs can lead to signs of serotonin syndrome or excessive dopaminergic stimulation, including hyperthermia, tachycardia, tremors, and agitation. Treatment is supportive.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a veterinarios colegiados como apoyo a la decisión clínica, no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la ficha técnica vigente del fabricante.