Ropinirole hydrochloride
Ropinirole hydrochloride (Requip)
Ropinirole hydrochloride
(roh- PIN-ih-roll)
Pregnancy Category: C Requip (Rx)

Classification: Antiparkinson agent

See Also: See also Antiparkinson Agents.

Action/Kinetics: Mechanism is not known but believed to involve stimulation of postsynaptic D ₂ dopamine receptors in caudate-putamen in brain. Causes decreases in both systolic and diastolic BP at doses above 0.25 mg. Rapidly absorbed. Peak plasma levels: 1-2 hr. Food reduces maximum concentration. t 1/2, elimination: 6 hr. First pass effect; extensively metabolized in liver.

Uses: Treat signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, both as initial therapy and adjunctive therapy with levodopa.

Contraindications: Lactation.

Special Concerns: Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children.

Side Effects: CNS: Hallucinations, cause and/or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia. CV: Syncope (sometimes with bradycardia), postural hypotension.

Overdose Management: Symptoms: Agitation, increased dyskinesia, grogginess, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, chest pain, confusion, N&V.; Treatment: General suppportive measures. Maintain vital signs. Gastric lavage.

Drug Interactions: Ciprofloxacin / Significant in ropinirole plasma levels Estrogens / Oral clearance of ropinirole

How Supplied: Tablets: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Parkinson's disease.
Week 1: 0.25 mg t.i.d. Week 2: 0.5 mg t.i.d. Week 3: 0.75 mg t.i.d. Week 4: 1 mg t.i.d. After week 4, daily dose, if necessary, may be increased by 1.5 mg/day on weekly basis up to dose of 9 mg/day. This may be followed by increase of up to 3 mg/day weekly to total dose of 24 mg/day.