What is ropinirole? What is ropinirole used for?
Ropinorole is an anti-Parkinson's medication.
Ropinorole works by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain. Ropinorole stimulates the dopamine receptors and improves symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The FDA approved ropinirole in September 1997. It is also a treatment for Restless legs syndrome (RLS ).
What brand names are available for ropinirole?
Requip, Requip XL
Is ropinirole available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for ropinirole?
Yes
What is the dosage for ropinirole?
Parkinson's disease
Immediate-release tablets: Take 0.25 mg by mouth 3 times a day for week 1, then increase weekly by 0.25 mg 3 times a day if needed. After week 4 doses may be increased by 1.5 mg/day on weekly basis up to a dose of 9 mg/day. If still needed, may increase doses by 3 mg/day on a weekly basis to a total dose of 24 mg/day.
Extended-release tablets: Take 2 mg by mouth once daily for 1 to 2 weeks. Doses can be increased by 2 mg/day at intervals longer than week. Not to exceed 24 mg/day.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Immediate release tablets: Take 0.25 mg by mouth 1 to 3 hours before bedtime on day 1 and 2. Starting day 3 to 7, may increase to 0.5 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime. Starting week 2, may increase to 1 mg per day, then increase weekly by 0.5 mg/day to up to 4 mg/day.
Which drugs or supplements interact with ropinirole?
Ropinorole should not be used with phenothiazine, atypical antipsychotics. and metoclopramide (Reglan) because these drugs block dopamine receptors and lead to decreased effectiveness of ropinorole. Examples of phenothiazines include prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). Examples of atypical antipsychotics include aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and rispepridone (Risperdal).
Ropinorole should be used with caution with ciprofloxacin (Cipro) because ciprofloxacin slows down the breakdown of ropinorole, which leads to increased ropinorole levels in the body.
QUESTION
What kind of disorder is restless leg syndrome (RLS)? See AnswerIs ropinirole safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of ropinorole to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether ropinorole enters breast milk. It is should be avoided in nursing mothers to avoid potential risks to newborn infants.
Patients treated with ropinirole have reported falling asleep during activities of daily living, including driving. Other side effects of ropinorole are nausea, flatulence, dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, flushing, hallucinations, confusion, irregular heart rate and rhythm, and confusion.
What else should I know about ropinirole?
What preparations of ropinirole are available?
Tablets (immediate release): 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mg. Tablets (extended-release): 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 mg
How should I keep ropinirole stored?
STORAGE Store ropinorole immediate-release and extended-release tablets between temperatures 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).
Summary
Ropinorole hydrochloride (Requip, Requip XL) is a medication prescribed to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and moderate-to-severe restless leg syndrome (RLS). Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medicaiton.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurological disease characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, a gait with short accelerating steps, peculiar posture and muscle weakness, caused by degeneration of an area of the brain called the basal ganglia, and by low production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most patients are over 50, but at least 10 percent are under 40.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common cause of painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
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Parkinson's Disease: Eating Right
Eating a well-balanced and nutritional diet is very beneficial to people with Parkinson's disease. With a proper diet, our bodies work more efficiently and it is especially helpful because Parkinson's disease medications will work properly.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.