Selgin Tablet

SELGIN TABLET by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Name

• Common Name: Selgin Tablet
• Brand Name: Selgin

Composition Each tablet contains Selegiline Hydrochloride 5 mg as the active ingredient. Inactive ingredients include lactose, maize starch, crospovidone, povidone, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and colloidal silicone dioxide.

Uses Selgin Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease or symptomatic parkinsonism. It can be used alone in the early stages or in combination with other medicines, such as levodopa, to help manage symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with movement, and to control excessive movements. Selegiline works by selectively and irreversibly inhibiting the monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) enzyme, which increases dopamine levels in the brain, thereby improving motor function and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Some sources also indicate its use in treating depression, aiding smoking cessation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving mood for seasonal affective disorder.

Dosage and Administration The typical dosage for adults and children over 12 years is 10 mg daily, either as a single dose in the morning or divided into two doses of 5 mg, taken at breakfast and lunch. It should not exceed 10 mg per day. Selgin Tablet can be taken with or without food, but taking it earlier in the day (e.g., with breakfast or lunch) is often advised to prevent sleep disturbances. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; generally, it should not be crushed, chewed, or broken, although one source notes it may be crushed if necessary. The exact dosage and treatment duration will be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but if it's late afternoon or evening, skip the forgotten dose and do not take two doses together.

Side Effects Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, insomnia or sleep disturbances, sore mouth, swollen gums, loss of balance, difficulty in controlling movements, constipation, diarrhea, and orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up). Other reported effects include agitation, confusion, skin reactions, hair loss, joint pain, peripheral edema, flu-like symptoms, depression, dyspepsia, cough, vertigo, slow heart rate, muscle cramps, fatigue, breathlessness, rash, pharyngitis, sinus inflammation, and mouth ulcers.

More serious side effects, though less common, can include hallucinations, increased heart rate or blood pressure fluctuations, convulsions, decreased white blood cells (leukocytopenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia), temporary liver problems, severe muscle spasms, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and in severe cases, delirium or coma. Symptoms of overdose can include severe headache, agitation, restlessness, severe tremor, high or low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, fast irregular heartbeat, chest pains, excessive sweating, and loss of consciousness.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Selgin Tablet is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to selegiline or any of its components. It should not be used concurrently with opioid analgesics (e.g., pethidine, codeine, tramadol, buprenorphine), antidepressants (including SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs) due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, other MAO inhibitors (e.g., linezolid), triptans for migraines, or sympathomimetic medicines (for asthma or nasal congestion). Additionally, it is contraindicated in patients with stomach or duodenal ulcers, movement disorders unrelated to Parkinson's disease, severe cardiovascular disease, angina pectoris, uncontrolled high blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeats, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), narrow-angle glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, prostatic adenoma, and serious mental problems such as schizophrenia or advanced dementia.
• Warnings: Caution is advised for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, kidney or liver problems, mental illness, anxiety, sleeping problems, or a history of stomach ulcers.
• Drug Interactions: Selegiline can potentiate the effects of levodopa, potentially requiring a reduction in levodopa dosage. Alcohol consumption should be avoided. Interactions may also occur with amantadine, dopamine, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines, altretamine, oral contraceptives, drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (particularly CYP2C19), tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sympathomimetic drugs.
• Food Interactions: While dietary restrictions are generally not required for tyramine-rich foods at recommended doses of Selegiline (as it primarily inhibits MAO-B), some doctors may recommend avoiding large amounts of tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products, yeast extracts, broad beans) due to a theoretical risk of hypertensive reactions, especially at doses higher than 10 mg/day or when combined with other MAO inhibitors.
• Special Populations: Selgin Tablet is not recommended for children as its safety and efficacy have not been established. It is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy (Category C) or breastfeeding; consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or make you fall asleep suddenly. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important. Patients taking Selgin should also undergo periodic examinations to detect skin cancer, as it may increase the risk. Selgin contains lactose.

Storage Store Selgin Tablet below 25°C. Keep it in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not freeze.

What is Selgin Tablet used for?

Selgin Tablet is primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps manage symptoms such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with movement and balance, improving overall body movement control. It can be used alone, particularly in the early stages of the disease, or in combination with other medications like levodopa to enhance its effects and reduce uncontrolled movements.

How does Selgin Tablet work?

Selgin Tablet contains Selegiline, which belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors. It works by selectively inhibiting the action of the MAO-B enzyme in the brain. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down dopamine, a chemical messenger vital for controlling movement. By inhibiting MAO-B, Selegiline increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, thereby restoring dopamine balance and improving the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

What is the usual dosage of Selgin Tablet?

The dosage and treatment regimen for Selgin Tablet are determined by a doctor based on the individual's medical condition. For adults, a common dosage for early Parkinsonism might start at 1.25 mg daily, potentially increasing to 2.5 mg once daily after at least 6 weeks, or 5 mg daily either as a single dose in the morning or two divided doses (e.g., one tablet in the morning and one at noon). It is usually taken once a day and should be swallowed whole with water, either with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

What are the possible side effects of Selgin Tablet?

Some common side effects of Selgin Tablet include sore mouth, swollen gums, headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), joint pain, peripheral edema (swelling in extremities), and flu-like symptoms. More serious but less common side effects can include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, loss of balance, difficulty controlling movements, sleep disorders, mouth ulcers, low blood pressure (especially upon standing), rapid or irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. If side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience unusual changes in mood or behavior, consult your doctor.

Is Selgin Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Selgin Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy and is considered unsafe for breastfeeding mothers. For pregnant women, it is typically only given if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your doctor before taking Selgin Tablet.

Can Selgin Tablet be taken with other medications?

Selgin Tablet can interact with various medications, and certain combinations are contraindicated. It should not be taken with:

• Antidepressants: Including MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as this can lead to serious conditions like serotonin syndrome. Antidepressants should be discontinued several weeks before starting Selgin.
• Opioid analgesics: Such as pethidine, codeine, tramadol, or buprenorphine.
• Migraine medications: Serotonin agonists like sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, and rizatriptan.
• Other MAO inhibitors: Including the antibiotic linezolid.
• Sympathomimetic medicines: Such as those for asthma or nasal congestion.
• General anesthetics: Inform your doctor if you are undergoing surgery, as Selgin may interact with anesthesia medications.

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, before starting Selgin Tablet.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be considered while taking Selgin Tablet:

• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), major heart or blood vessel problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, hyperthyroidism, narrow-angle glaucoma, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), prostatic adenoma (prostate tumor), schizophrenia, advanced dementia, stomach or duodenal ulcers, or kidney/liver problems.
• Alcohol and Food: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Your doctor may advise avoiding certain foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and yeast extracts, although this is less common at recommended doses due to its selective MAO-B inhibition.
• Driving and Machinery: Selgin Tablet can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or sudden sleepiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Behavioral Changes: Be vigilant for unusual changes in mood, hallucinations, abnormally high sex drive, or impulsive behaviors like excessive gambling or spending, and report them to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Selgin Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., late afternoon or evening), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one. It is important not to skip doses and to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

How should it be stored?

Selgin Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, below 25°C. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Always ensure the medicine is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.