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Compare Zelapar vs. Rytary

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

Key takeaways

Selegiline (Zelapar) and Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have different uses. Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor that helps prevent the breakdown of dopamine in your brain, extending the effects of levodopa. It's used as an add-on treatment for people already taking carbidopa/levodopa medications like Rytary. On the other hand, Rytary is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa that directly replaces dopamine in your brain and is used to treat PD symptoms like stiffness and slowed movement. Selegiline is available in tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), while Rytary is an extended-release capsule taken three times a day. Selegiline can cause high blood pressure if you eat foods high in tyramine, while Rytary can cause heart problems and may raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Selegiline is available in a generic form, but Rytary is not, which can make Rytary more expensive.

  • Selegiline
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Selegiline
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Zelapar vs. Rytary

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that's used to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as stiff muscles and slowed movement. It contains carbidopa (a decarboxylase inhibitor) and levodopa (a dopamine replacement) in an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is one capsule by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. This medication doesn't currently have a generic version, but you can get it under the brand name Rytary.

  • Indications of Zelapar vs. Rytary

    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)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)

  • Pros and Cons of Zelapar vs. Rytary

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) in people with advanced PD
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    •Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron

  • Common Side Effects of Zelapar vs. Rytary

    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
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Headache (up to 17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 7%)
    •Unusual dreams (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 6%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)
    •Anxiety (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    •Drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Zelapar vs. Rytary

    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
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Heart problems
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer
    •Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma

  • Prices with our coupons for Zelapar vs. Rytary

    Learn more about Selegiline
    Learn more about Rytary

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