Zelapar belongs to a class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A dopamine deficiency, caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in certain parts of the brain, may be responsible for many of the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease. An enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO) breaks down monoamine chemicals, including dopamine. By inhibiting MAO enzymes, Zelapar helps increase the amount of dopamine that the brain can use, which helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
There are two types of MAO: type A and B. MAO-B is the main form in the brain and is also found in blood platelets. Although there is some MAO-A in the brain, it is found primarily in the digestive tract. MAO-A is responsible for breaking down dietary tyramine, an amino acid that affects
blood pressure. Any medication that inhibits MAO-A stops the body's ability to break down tyramine and can cause a person's tyramine levels to become too high, which can be extremely dangerous. Although Zelapar is "selective" for MAO-B, it can inhibit MAO-A to some extent, especially at higher doses.
Zelapar is not approved for use in children. This makes sense, as Parkinson's disease is not likely to occur in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Zelapar for something other than Parkinson's disease. This is known as an "
off-label" use. Off-label Zelapar uses include treating the following conditions:
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print