Pramipexole

Generic name: Pramipexole

Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Dosage forms: Tablet, Extended release

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: Tablet: 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 mg. Extended release: 0.375, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3, 3.75, 4.5 mg

Mechanism of action: Pramipexole has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Drug usage cases: Pramipexole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Only immediate-release pramipexole (Mirapex) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release pramipexole (Mirapex ER) is approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms. Parkinson’s and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.

Drug contra indications: You should not use pramipexole if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

low blood pressure; dizziness after getting up too fast; daytime drowsiness; kidney disease; or problems controlling your muscle movements. People with Parkinson’s disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. Pramipexole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real); extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert; tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements; unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; vision problems; or posture changes you cannot control, such as involuntary bending forward of your neck, bending forward at the waist, or tilting sideways when you sit, stand, or walk. Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older adults. You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking pramipexole. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Warnings: Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using pramipexole. It is not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.