Drug interactions
Levodopa + Rasagiline
Severity: Moderate
Levodopa and Rasagiline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Rasagiline is commonly combined with levodopa in Parkinson disease and enhances its effect. The combination can increase dopaminergic adverse effects such as dyskinesia, hallucinations and orthostatic hypotension, and hypertensive reactions are rare at selective doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levodopa and Rasagiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Rasagiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO-B inhibition reduces dopamine breakdown, potentiating levodopa's dopaminergic effects.
What to do
Reduce the levodopa dose if dyskinesia or other dopaminergic adverse effects develop. Monitor blood pressure and keep rasagiline within labeled dosing.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Rasagiline
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levodopa with Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levodopa and Rasagiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Rasagiline is commonly combined with levodopa in Parkinson disease and enhances its effect. The combination can increase dopaminergic adverse effects such as dyskinesia, hallucinations and orthostatic hypotension, and hypertensive reactions are rare at selective doses.
How serious is the interaction between Levodopa and Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the levodopa dose if dyskinesia or other dopaminergic adverse effects develop. Monitor blood pressure and keep rasagiline within labeled dosing.
What other medicines interact with Rasagiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rasagiline with, for example, Atomoxetine, Brimonidine, Bupropion-naltrexone. The full list is on the Rasagiline page.
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