Monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the enzymes MAO-B and COMT offer a valuable alternative to exogenous dopaminergic replacement in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. MAO-B inhibitors may be used as monotherapy in early disease or as adjunctive therapy in patients with motor fluctuations. More recently, clinically useful inhibitors of COMT have become available for the treatment of PD. These medications increase the pool of available dopamine precursor and prolong the duration of effect of levodopa. They are indicated primarily for control of motor fluctuation.