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Compare Zelapar vs. Azilect

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Selegiline (Zelapar) and Rasagiline (Azilect) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and belong to the same drug class, MAO-B inhibitors. Selegiline is typically used as an add-on treatment for those already taking carbidopa/levodopa, while Rasagiline can be used as a first-choice option for PD, even in early stages. Selegiline is available in tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), whereas Rasagiline is only available in tablet form. Selegiline is taken twice a day for tablets and capsules, but once a day for ODTs, while Rasagiline is taken once a day. Both medications can cause high blood pressure if you eat foods high in tyramine. Rasagiline may make you very sleep, but Selegiline can cause trouble sleeping if taken later in the day. Rasagiline is available in a lower-cost generic form, while the ODT form of Selegiline is only available as a brand name, making it potentially more expensive. Both medications can cause serious side effects like serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) if taken with certain other medications.

  • Selegiline
    Rasagiline (Azilect)
  • Selegiline
    Rasagiline (Azilect)

  • Summary of Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Selegiline helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease in people who have "off" episodes as their carbidopa/levodopa medication starts to wear off. Selegiline is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a drug class that has many drug interactions. Generic selegiline tablets and capsules are taken twice per day; the brand name for the pills, Eldepryl, is no longer available. Selegiline also comes as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) under the brand name Zelapar that are dissolved on the tongue once per day. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Rasagiline (Azilect) is one of the first-choice options to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as shakiness, stiff muscles, and slowed movement. Rasagiline (Azilect) is taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form, but it can make you very sleepy.

  • Indications of Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Indications for
    •Relief of "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are taking a carbidopa/levodopa medication
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •Extends the actions of carbidopa/levodopa to relieve PD symptoms
    •Comes as tablets, capsules, and ODTs
    •Taken once or twice a day, depending on the form of the medication
    Cons
    •Doesn't work well when you take it by itself; must take in addition to a carbidopa/levodopa medication
    •Commonly causes nausea and dizziness
    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for PD, especially for movement problems
    •Can be used to treat early PD
    •Taken once a day
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    Cons
    •Can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with certain medications
    •Cannot eat foods with very large amounts of tyramine while taking rasagiline (Azilect), because it can raise your blood pressure
    •Not recommended if you have moderate-to-severe liver disease, because the medication can reach very high levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for

    Selegiline tablets and capsules:

    •Nausea (20%)
    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Confusion (6%)
    •Hallucinations (6%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)

    Zelapar (selegiline) ODTs:

    •Nausea (11%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •General body pain (8%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Trouble sleeping (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 6%)
    •Skin irritation (6%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Inflamed or sore mouth (5%)
    •Other irritation in the mouth (e.g., pain when swallowing, pain in mouth, mouth sores)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Stomach upset (7%)
    •Depression (5%)
    •Flu symptoms (5%)
    •Falls (5%)

    Note: Percentages are based on taking the medication alone

  • Warnings of Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Extreme sleepiness and falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Hallucinations and behavior changes
    •Intense urges
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Zelapar ODTs only
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion

  • Prices with our coupons for Zelapar vs. Azilect

    Learn more about Selegiline
    Learn more about Rasagiline

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