Drug reference

Ropinirole

Dopamine Agonist · Antiparkinsonian agent

Dopamine AgonistAntiparkinsonian agent

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

3 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Use only if potential beneﬁt outweighs risk.

FDA category + note

Top interactions

AmisulprideSevereDatabaseDDInter
DextropropoxypheneSevereDatabaseDDInter
Sodium OxybateSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Dopamine-receptor agonist.

Indications

Parkinson's disease (in patients whose motor symptoms do not affect their quality of life)Dystonias and other involuntary movementsParkinson's diseaseRestless leg syndrome (RLS)Treatment of PDRestless legs syndromeManagement of dose-related fluctuations in motor statePreventing motor complicationsParkinson's disease (monotherapy for early PD, supplement to levodopa in advanced cases)

Dosing

Adult: ▶ BY MOUTH ▶ Adult: Initially 250 micrograms twice daily, then increased in steps of 250 micrograms twice a day on alternate days, adjusted according to response; usual dose 500 micrograms twice daily (max. per dose 1 mg twice daily) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SAFE PRACTICE Risperidone has been confused with ropinirole; care must be taken to ensure the correct drug is prescribed and dispensed.…

Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability

55%

Protein binding

∼40%

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized, mainly by hepatic CYP1A2, to inactive metabolites.

Excretion

<10%

Side effects

Common

hallucinosisconfusionnauseaorthostatic hypotensionfatiguesomnolencedizzinesshallucinationspostural hypotensionday time sleep (somnolence)Augmentation (worsening of RLS symptoms)Morning sedationIncreases in rewarding behaviors (e.g., sex and gambling)

Serious