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Molecule

Selegiline

Also known as selegiline hydrochloride
Available on requestOrphanNeurology
Presentations
6
Brands
2
Manufacturers
2
Available from stock
0

Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It is available as capsules, tablets and transdermal patches for oral use. MedsAcross supplies Selegiline for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.

Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review

Key facts

Pharmacological class
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, Monoamine Oxidase Type B Inhibitor, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors
ATC classification
N04BD01 Selegiline · Dopaminergic, subgroup N04BD
US FDA first approval
5 June 1989
EU status
Not recorded
Orphan designation
Yes
WHO essential medicine
Not recorded
India (CDSCO)
Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
Routes
Oral, Transdermal
Dosage forms
Capsule, Tablet, Transdermal patch, Orally disintegrating tablet
Identifiers
UNII DPF682Q08VCAS 2323-36-6Q402633

Clinical information

From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.

Uses

EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). EMSAM ® (selegiline transdermal system) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Source: US FDA prescribing information

How it works

The mechanism of action of selegiline (the drug substance of EMSAM) as an antidepressant is not fully understood, but is presumed to be linked to potentiation of monoamine neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its irreversible inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO).

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Dosing overview

EMSAM should be applied to dry, intact skin on the upper torso (below the neck and above the waist), upper thigh or the outer surface of the upper arm once every 24 hours. • Initial Treatment: The recommended starting dose and target dose for EMSAM is 6 mg per 24 hours. Based on clinical judgment, dose increases should occur in increments of 3 mg per 24 hours (up to a maximum dose of 12 mg per 24 hours) at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. • Geriatric Use: The recommended dose for elderly patients (65 years and older) is EMSAM 6 mg per 24 hours daily.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Contraindications

• EMSAM (selegiline transdermal system) is contraindicated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, e.g., venlafaxine and duloxetine), the tricyclic antidepressants clomipramine and imipramine, the opiate analgesics meperidine, tramadol, methadone, pentazocine, and propoxyphene, and the antitussive agent dextromethorphan because of a risk of serotonin syndrome when EMSAM is used with these agents. • Carbamazepine is contraindicated with EMSAM because of a possible increased risk of hypertensive crisis.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Warnings and precautions

Boxed warning (suicidal thoughts and behaviors): Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. EMSAM is contraindicated in patients less than 12 years of age because of an increased risk of hypertensive crisis. • Tyramine-Induced Hypertensive Crisis: Patients receiving EMSAM 9 mg per 24 hours and 12 mg per 24 hours should follow the recommended dietary modifications. • Blood Pressure Elevation Related to Concomitant Medication: monitor blood pressure if EMSAM is used with any of the following drugs: buspirone, amphetamines, or cold products or weight-reducing preparations that contain sympathomimetic amines (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, and ephedrine).

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label. • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors. • Serotonin Syndrome. • Blood Pressure Elevation. • Activation of Mania/Hypomania. • External Heat. • Adverse Reactions occurring at an incidence of 2% or More Among EMSAM-Treated Patients and greater than placebo: Application site reaction, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, rash, pharyngitis, sinusitis.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Interactions

Serotonergic Drugs Serious, sometimes fatal, central nervous system (CNS) toxicity referred to as the “serotonin syndrome” has been reported with the combination of nonselective MAOIs and serotonergic drugs. Use of EMSAM with these drugs is contraindicated.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.

All presentations

6 presentations of Selegiline, sorted by availability.

MedicineManufacturerRegisterAvailability
Selegiline 5 mg capsuleOralGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Selegiline 5 mg tabletOralGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Emsam 12 mg/24 hours transdermal patchTransdermalViatris SpecialtyUS FDAAvailable on request
Emsam 6 mg/24 hours transdermal patchTransdermalViatris SpecialtyUS FDAAvailable on request
Emsam 9 mg/24 hours transdermal patchTransdermalViatris SpecialtyUS FDAAvailable on request
Zelapar 1.25 mg orally disintegrating tabletOralBausch HealthUS FDAAvailable on request

Brands by market

2 brand names across 1 markets.

Brand names by country

United States

Manufacturers

Regulatory status

Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.

RegisterStatusSource
US FDAFirst approved 5 June 1989Drugs@FDA
EU (EMA)Not recorded—
India (CDSCO)Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists—
United StatesRegisteredUS FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026

Conditions

Conditions linked to Selegiline in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.

Questions and answers

Is Selegiline available for export from India?

Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 6 presentations of Selegiline and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.

What brand names does Selegiline have?

The catalogue lists 2 brand names for Selegiline, including Emsam, Zelapar.

Is Selegiline approved by the US FDA?

Yes. The US FDA first approved Selegiline on 5 June 1989, according to Drugs@FDA.

Does Selegiline need cold chain shipping?

No listed presentation of Selegiline is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.

Which ATC class is Selegiline in?

Selegiline is classified under ATC code N04BD01 (Selegiline).

References

  1. EMSAM prescribing information (Viatris Specialty). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 15 May 2020

Request Selegiline for export supply

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