Medication: Selegiline hydrochloride

Your dog may have been prescribed selegiline hydrochloride for the treatment of a behavioral problem of emotional origin, such as depression and/or anxiety. Signs of such disorders may include (but are not limited to) over activity, separation problems, generalized phobia, unsociable behavior, changes in feeding and sleeping patterns, inappropriate urination/defecation and aggression. Selegiline is also licensed for treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction (senile dementia) as well as treatment of pituitary dependent Cushing’s disease in dogs.

Key points:
• Selegiline hydrochloride acts in the brain as an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (IMAO-B). It can enhance catecholamine neuroactivity and increase dopamine levels in dogs.

• Type of antidepressant drug, used as an aid to the treatment of some behavioral issues in dogs.
• In the US it is also licensed as part of a treatment program for canine pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease).
• It may take 2-6 weeks to see effects when used for cognitive dysfunction. The minimum treatment period for behavioral problems is 2 months.
• This drug should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques.
• Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches.
• Dosage: once daily. Give with or without food. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name

• Selegiline hydrochloride (Sel-ej-ill-een hi-dro-klor-ride).

Brand name

• Selgian® Film-Coated Tablets for dogs 4 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg (UK).
• Anipryl® Tablets 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg (US).

Class of medication

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) protected from heat, light, and moisture.

Your veterinarian may have prescribed selegiline hydrochloride for the treatment of a behavioral problem, senile dementia, or for Cushing’s disease caused by a pituitary gland disorder. Selegiline hydrochloride is used for the control of clinical signs associated with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and in the US is licensed for control of clinical signs associated with uncomplicated canine pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease).

Selegiline hydrochloride is given orally (as tablets). It is administered once daily with or without food. It should be given in the morning as it can increase activity in some dogs. It should be used in conjunction with behavior modifying techniques with support from a reputable canine behavior specialist. It may take from 2-6 weeks before you notice any effects from selegiline in dogs with CDS.

There is a low chance of side effects which may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, itchy skin, tremors, drooling, hyperactivity, disorientation and reduced hearing.

Selegiline hydrochloride may act on prolactin secretion and so its use is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating bitches.

Selegiline interacts with many other drugs. Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements that your dog receives at home.

Selegiline hydrochloride interacts with certain sedation and pre-med drugs and so use should be avoided in dogs requiring sedation or anesthesia.

Selegiline hydrochloride should not be administered with pethidine, fluoxetine (and other SSRI medications) or phenothiazines. It should also not be given alongside phenylpropanolamine (a urinary incontinence medication) as their interaction could cause high blood pressure. Metoclopramide (an anti-nausea drug) should not be administered concurrently with selegiline hydrochloride either.

Selegiline hydrochloride enhances the effects of morphine.

Some dogs, with behavioral disorders but no signs of aggression, may become aggressive after treatment. Previously aggressive dogs may become more aggressive. It is therefore vital to involve a reputable canine behavior specialist and to work closely with your veterinarian.

A minimum of a two-month trial is advised to observe response to treatment. Your veterinarian will advise as to the length of treatment required in the longer term.  

Dispose of any unused selegiline hydrochloride safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save selegiline hydrochloride for future use or give it to other pets.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Selegiline hydrochloride should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center immediately.

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking selegiline hydrochloride.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on selegiline hydrochloride can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

• Ceva (online) Selgian® 4 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg film-coated tablets. Ceva Animal Health Ltd, UK. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk

US

• Zoetis (online) Anipryl® 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg tablets. Zoetis, USA. Website: www.zoetisus.com

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.