Safinamide

Generic name: safinamide [ sa-FIN-a-mide ]
Brand name: Xadago
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class:Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 12, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is safinamide?

Safinamide is monoamine oxidase inhibitor type B (MAO-B). safinamide works by allowing a chemical called dopamine (DOE pa meen) to work for longer periods of time in the brain. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Safinamide is given with levodopa and carbidopa to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with Parkinson's disease.

Safinamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use safinamide if you have severe liver disease.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ALL OTHER MEDICINES YOU USE. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects (including death) when used within 14 days of when you take safinamide.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use safinamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects (including death) when used with safinamide. You should not use any of the following medicines within 14 days before or 14 days after you take safinamide:

• amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, and others);

• cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan;

• cyclobenzaprine;

• methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Daytrana, and others);

• St. John's wort;

• another MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tra...