Rasagiline approved for Parkinson disease.(Regulatory Action and News)

United States of America -- The Food and Drug Administration has approved rasagiline (Azilect[R]), a new molecular entity, for the treatment of Parkinson disease. The drug is a monoamine oxidase type--B (MAO-B) inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of dopamine.

Rasagiline was approved for use as an initial single drug therapy in early Parkinson disease, and as an addition to levodopa in more advanced patients. Rasagiline may be associated with hypertensive crisis if patients also consume tyramine-rich foods and beverages (such as cheese and red wine) or dietary supplements or amines contained in many cough/cold medications. Therefore, patients will need to avoid these …