Ropinirole - Drug Interactions and Uses
Type of Drug
Antiparkinson agent.
How the Ropinirole Product Works
Parkinsonism is a neurological disease with a variety of origins characterized by tremor, rigidity and disorders of posture and balance. The onset is slow and progressive with symptoms advancing over months to years. There is no cure for the disease. The goal of therapy is to provide relief from the symptoms, and to attempt to maintain the independence and mobility of the patient.
It is thought that the involuntary muscle movements (shaking) of Parkinson disease are caused by reduced amounts of dopamine in the nervous system. Ropinirole may exert its effects by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the nervous system.
Uses of The Ropinirole
To treat signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease. May be used with levodopa in the later stages of the disease.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Us only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if ropinirole appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Elderly: Elderly patients have a greater tendency to develop hallucinations.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with ropinirole. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with ropinirole:
-
Butyrophenones (haloperidol)
-
Cipofloxacin (eg, Cipro)
-
Estrogens (eg, Premarin)
-
Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)
-
Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)
Side Effects
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many ropinirole users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Constipation; stomach pain; appetite loss; indigestion; gas; nausea; vomiting.
Nervous System: Flushing; dry mouth; increased sweating; dizziness; hyperactivity; decreased sensitivity to touch; whirling feeling; inability to sleep; anxiety; nervousness.
Circulatory System: High blood pressure; low blood pressure; orthostatic symptoms (dizziness when rising quickly); fainting; premature heart beat; pounding in the chest; fast heart beat; slow heart beat; high blood sugar.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis; difficulty breathing; sore throat; sinus infection; cough.
Skin: Abnormal sensations; rash.
Other: Weakness; chest pain; fluid accumulation in the lower extremities; fatigue; feeling poorly; pain; headache; increased alkaline phosphatase; amnesia; impaired concentration; confusion; hallucination; drowsiness; yawning; impotence; viral infection; urinary tract infection; cold feet and hands; abnormal vision; double vision; night blindness; joint pain; tremor; back pain; difficulty moving; aggravated Parkinsonism; depression; falls; muscle pain; leg cramps; arthritis; weight loss; muscle spasm; joint degeneration; abnormal dreams; muscular deformation; increased salivation; gout; gum inflammation; blood in the urine; rigidity; inability to control urine; pus in the urine; ringing in the ears.
Guidelines for Use
-
Take ropinirole only as directed by your doctor (three times daily).
-
May be taken with or without food. Taking with food may reduce nausea.
-
Dosage will be increased to achieve maximum effect.
-
Do not discontinue or change the dose unless advised to do so by your doctor.
-
Hallucinations may occur, especially in the elderly.
-
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.
-
Caution should be used when taking other CNS depressants (eg, antidepressants) or alcohol.
-
This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
-
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
-
Store at controlled room temperature (59 to 77°F) and protect from light.