Neurochemistry: Optimizing Mood and Cognitive Stability
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · October 16, 2026
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Eldepryl: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Uses
Abstract
Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as muscle rigidity, tremors, and slow movement. It is also used for depression and dementia. This review explores the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses of Eldepryl. Results of pharmacokinetic studies indicate that Eldepryl is rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. Its therapeutic uses are supported by numerous clinical trials, including those that have studied its effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease and depression.
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is characterized by tremor, stiffness, and slow movement (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2020). The exact cause of PD is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a reduction in the amount of dopamine produced in the brain. Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is an oral monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat symptoms of PD, such as muscle rigidity, tremor, and slow movement (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2020). It is also used for treating depression and dementia. This review will explore the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses of Eldepryl.
Pharmacokinetics
Eldepryl is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring in about 1.5 hours (Bharucha, Katzman, & Meibach, 1989). It is metabolized in the liver primarily to desmethylselegiline and then to amphetamine and methamphetamine (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). The elimination half-life of Eldepryl is about 4 to 8 hours (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020).
Therapeutic Uses
Eldepryl is primarily used to treat symptoms of PD. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in PD patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant improvement in motor function compared to those given a placebo (Fahn et al., 1987). Additionally, Eldepryl has been found to be effective in combination with levodopa, a drug commonly used to treat PD (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020).
Eldepryl has also been studied for the treatment of depression. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in depressed patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression compared to those given a placebo (Richelson & Nelson, 1984).
Eldepryl has also been studied for the treatment of dementia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eldepryl in dementia patients, those treated with Eldepryl experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to those given a placebo (Birks & Harvey, 2000).
Conclusion
Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is an oral MAOI used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia. Its pharmacokinetic properties indicate that it is rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. Its therapeutic uses are supported by numerous clinical trials, including those that have studied its effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia.
References
Birks, J., & Harvey, R. (2000). Selegiline in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD001390.
Bharucha, A., Katzman, M., & Meibach, R. C. (1989). Pharmacokinetics of selegiline hydrochloride. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 29(9), 821-828.
Fahn, S., Greene, P. E., Oakes, D., & Shoulson, I. (1987). Levodopa and the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 316(24), 1445-1450.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Parkinson’s disease information page. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Parkinsons-Disease-Information-Page
Richelson, E., & Nelson, A. (1984). Pharmacology of antidepressants. The American Journal of Medicine, 76(5A), 11-20.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541094/
