ATC Group: N04BD Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

Rasagiline was shown to be a potent, irreversible MAO-B selective inhibitor, which may cause an increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the striatum. The elevated dopamine level and subsequent increased dopaminergic activity are likely to mediate rasagiline’s beneficial effects seen in models of dopaminergic motor dysfunction.

Safinamide acts through both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic mechanisms of action. Safinamide is a highly selective and reversible MAO-B inhibitor causing an increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the striatum. Safinamide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) as addon therapy to a stable dose of levodopa (L-dopa).

Selegiline is a selective MAO-B-inhibitor which prevents dopamine breakdown in the brain. It also inhibits the reuptake of dopamine at the presynaptic dopamine receptor. These effects potentiate dopaminergic function in the brain and help to even out and prolong the effect of exogenous and endogenous dopamine. Thus, selegiline potentiates and prolongs the effect of levodopa in the treatment of parkinsonism.