MAO Inhibitors

Question 1

Two types

Answer 1

MAO-A = metabolizes NE and serotonin

MAO-B = metabolizes phenylethylamine and benzylamine

Question 2

Selegiline

Answer 2

Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor

Slows breakdown DA and prolongs antiparkinsonian effects of levodopa**

Used in pts w/ declining response to levodopa

Question 3

Why use drugs selective for MAO-B?

Answer 3

Otherwise can effect NE -> creates NE surge -> HTN crisis / poor cardiac symptoms

Question 4

Rasagline

Answer 4

More potent than selegiline (MAO-B too)

Early symptomatic treatment of
PD

Good add on therapy