Drug reference
safinamide
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Central Nervous System (Anti Parkinsonian Drugs)
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of MAO-B activity, by blocking the catabolism of dopamine, is thought to result in an increase in dopamine levels and a subsequent increase in dopaminergic activity in the brain The precise mechanism by which safinamide exerts its effect in PD is unknown
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dyskinesia
- Hypertension
- ALT or AST increased to >ULN
- Fall
Known interactions (12)
- amitriptyline + safinamide Contraindicated
- clomipramine + safinamide Contraindicated
- cyclobenzaprine + safinamide Contraindicated
- desipramine + safinamide Contraindicated
- desvenlafaxine + safinamide Contraindicated
- dextroamphetamine + safinamide Contraindicated
- dextromethorphan + safinamide Contraindicated
- duloxetine + safinamide Contraindicated
- imipramine + safinamide Contraindicated
- isocarboxazid + safinamide Contraindicated
- cyproheptadine + safinamide Major
- fentanyl + safinamide Major
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is safinamide?
safinamide belongs to: Central Nervous System.
How does safinamide work?
Inhibition of MAO-B activity, by blocking the catabolism of dopamine, is thought to result in an increase in dopamine levels and a subsequent increase in dopaminergic activity in the brain The precise mechanism by which safinamide exerts its effect in PD is unknown
What are the common side effects of safinamide?
Insomnia, Nausea, Orthostatic hypotension, Dyskinesia, Hypertension, ALT or AST increased to >ULN, Fall
Which drugs interact with safinamide?
amitriptyline, clomipramine, cyclobenzaprine, desipramine, desvenlafaxine, dextroamphetamine, dextromethorphan, duloxetine, imipramine, isocarboxazid, cyproheptadine, fentanyl
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.