Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors act specifically in the brain and have no peripheral therapeutic effects.

They inhibit the metabolism of dopamine, by blocking the enzyme MAO-B (the enzyme that normally breaks down dopamine). This activity of MAO-B inhibitors prolongs the potential action of dopamine by increasing the level of natural dopamine (derived from natural levodopa) when used as a treatment in monotherapy or increases the level of levodopa-derived dopamine (from the addition of levodopa as medication) within the brain, resulting in a reduction of Parkinson's symptoms.

Two types of MAO-B Inhibitors are available to treat Parkinson’s – selegiline and rasagiline. These may be prescribed on their own in early Parkinson’s (monotherapy) or in combination with levodopa (adjunct therapy).

 

Further reading on MAO-B inhibitors