Azilect (rasagiline) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat Parkinson’s disease. The drug comes as an oral tablet that you usually take once daily.

Azilect is used in adults to treat Parkinson’s disease.

The active ingredient in Azilect is rasagiline. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Azilect belongs to a group of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

This article describes the dosages of Azilect, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Azilect, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Azilect. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Azilect’s form?

Azilect is available as an oral tablet.

What strengths does Azilect come in?

Azilect comes in two strengths: 0.5 milligrams (mg) and 1 mg.

What are the usual dosages of Azilect?

Your dosage of Azilect will depend on several factors, including whether you’re taking it alone or with other medications. Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

When taken alone, the typical Azilect dosage for Parkinson’s disease is 1 mg once daily.

If you’re taking Azilect with another medication that doesn’t contain levodopa, the dosage is 1 mg once daily.

If you’re taking Azilect with a medication that contains levodopa (such as Sinemet), you’ll likely start at 0.5 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your Azilect dosage to 1 mg daily if your body doesn’t respond to the lower dose.

Is Azilect taken long term?

Yes, Azilect is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

You may need dosage adjustments for Azilect in certain cases, as noted below.

If you have liver problems: If you have mild liver problems, your doctor may lower your dosage of Azilect to 0.5 mg once daily. Azilect is not recommended if you have moderate to severe liver problems.

If you take CYP1A2 inhibitors: CYP1A2 inhibitors can increase the amount of Azilect in your body, and that can raise your risk of side effects from the medication. So if you’re taking a CYP1A2 inhibitor, your doctor will likely adjust your dosage. Examples of CYP1A2 inhibitors include:

  • ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • certain oral birth control pills, such as drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz, Yasmin, others)
  • vemurafenib (Zelboraf)

Let your doctor know all the medications you take. They’ll discuss whether you need any dosage adjustments.

The dosage of Azilect your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of the condition the drug is treating
  • whether you’re taking certain other medications
  • other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)

You’ll swallow Azilect oral tablet once daily. Try to take the medication around the same time each day. This helps keep steady levels of Azilect in your body so it can work to treat your condition. You can take Azilect with or without food.

Swallow Azilect tablets whole. It’s not known whether it’s safe to cut, crush, or chew Azilect tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Azilect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Azilect in an easy-open container.

If you miss a dose of Azilect, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. Don’t take two doses of Azilect to make up for a missed dose.

If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Azilect on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Azilect than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to coma.

What to do in case you take too much Azilect

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Azilect. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Stopping Azilect suddenly may cause symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, such as:

  • high fever
  • muscle rigidity
  • changes in mental state
  • changes in blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, and body temperature

You should not stop taking Azilect suddenly on your own, as this can cause serious symptoms. If you need to stop the medication, first talk with your doctor. They’ll slowly lower your dose until you can stop the medication safely.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Azilect’s dosage.

When is the best time of day to take my dose of Azilect?

You’ll typically take Azilect once daily. The drugmaker doesn’t specify a best time of day to take the medication. Even so, it’s a good idea to take it around the same time daily. This helps keep steady levels of the medication in your body so it can treat your condition. Taking Azilect around the same time every day can also help you remember to take the medication.

The best time for you to take Azilect may depend on your schedule and any other medications you’re taking. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take Azilect.

What is the recommended maximum dosage of Azilect?

The maximum dosage of Azilect depends on whether you’re taking it alone or with another medication. If you take Azilect alone, the maximum dosage is 1 mg once daily.

If you have mild liver problems, the maximum dosage of Azilect is 0.5 mg once daily.

The maximum dosage of Azilect may also depend on other medications you’re taking.

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you based on your condition and other factors. If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Azilect’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Azilect without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Azilect exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How does the dosage of Azilect compare with the dosage of Xadago (safinamide)?
  • If I have kidney problems, will you adjust my dosage of Azilect?
  • Will you lower my dose of Azilect if I experience side effects?

To learn more about Azilect, see this “Azilect (rasagiline)” article.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.