Rasagiline is a highly selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor used as a monotherapy or adjuvant therapy for Parkinson's disease. Correctly mastering the timing of medication, dosage plan, and treatment of missed doses is crucial for efficacy and safety.

1、 Fasting or with meals?

1.1 Recommended methods

Taking with meals is a priority, especially for those with gastrointestinal sensitivity.

The absorption of rasagiline is not significantly affected by food, but accompanying meals can reduce gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and upper abdominal discomfort.

1.2 Applicable situations for taking on an empty stomach

If the patient has good gastrointestinal tolerance, taking it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) is also feasible.

Attention should be paid to avoiding meals with high casein foods (such as fermented cheese and cured meat) in large quantities. Although MAO-B is highly selective, it is still recommended to avoid it.

1.3 Key Tips

Take medication at the same time every day and establish regular habits.

It is recommended to take it mainly for breakfast or dinner to facilitate memory and reduce missed doses.

2、 Daily dosing regimen

2.1 Standard Dose

Monotherapy: The recommended dosage is 1mg once daily.

Adjuvant therapy (in combination with levodopa): also 1mg, once daily; Some patients can start from 0.5mg/day and adjust according to tolerance.

2.2 Key points of administration

Once a day, swallow the whole tablet. It can be broken open but should not be chewed or crushed.

Dose adjustments should be made at least 2 weeks apart and dynamically optimized based on clinical and adverse reactions.

2.3 Adjustment for Special Groups

Liver dysfunction: For patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction, it is recommended to start at 0.5mg/day; Severely prohibited.

Elderly patients: No need to adjust dosage, but need to strengthen adverse reaction monitoring.

3、 Leakage handling strategy

3.1 Conventional Handling Principles

If the missed dose time is less than 12 hours: take it immediately and continue to take it at the original time next time.

If the missed dose time is ≥ 12 hours: skip this dose and take it at the regular time the next day. Do not double the dose.

3.2 Special circumstances

If the medication is missed continuously for ≥ 2 days, a physician or pharmacist should be consulted to re evaluate the medication plan, and it is not advisable to restore the original dose on one's own.

3.3 Avoiding repeated medication

The half-life of rasagiline is relatively long (about 3 days), and repeated or excessive use can increase the risk of adverse reactions (such as agitation, hypertension, insomnia).