Ropinirole

Generic name: ropinirole [ roe-PIN-i-role ]

Brand names: Requip, Requip XL, ReQuip Follow-on Pack, ReQuip Starter Pack, Repreve, Requip Starter Kit

Dosage forms: Tablet (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg; 4 mg; 5 mg), Tablet, extended-release (12 mg; 2 mg; 4 mg; 6 mg; 8 mg)

Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonian agents

Route of administration: Oral.

Dose: Parkinson’s Disease: Initial dose: 0.25 mg three times daily. Maintenance dose: Gradually increased to a maximum of 24 mg per day. Restless Legs Syndrome: Initial dose: 0.25 mg once daily, 1-3 hours before bedtime. Maintenance dose: Up to 4 mg per day.

Mechanism of action: Ropinirole acts as a dopamine agonist, stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain. This helps to restore the balance of dopamine, which is often reduced in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. By mimicking the effects of dopamine, it helps to reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty in movement.

Drug usage cases: Treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Management of moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Drug contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to ropinirole or any component of the formulation. Caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease or psychiatric disorders.

Side effects: Common: Nausea, dizziness, somnolence, headache, fatigue. Serious: Syncope, hallucinations, sudden onset of sleep, orthostatic hypotension. Rare: Compulsive behaviors (e.g., gambling, hypersexuality), neuroleptic malignant syndrome upon abrupt discontinuation.

Warnings: Monitor for sudden onset of sleep and advise patients to avoid driving or operating machinery if affected. Be alert to signs of compulsive behaviors. Taper dosage gradually when discontinuing to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or psychiatric conditions.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown if ropinirole is excreted in breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.