Anti-Parkinsonion » ROPINIROLE (roe-PIN-I-role)

Ropinirole is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement.

Ropinirole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day with or without food. Your doctor will increase your dose as needed on a weekly basis. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ropinirole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ropinirole controls the symptoms of Parkinsons disease but does not cure it. Continue to take ropinirole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ropinirole without talking to your doctor. Stopping ropinirole suddenly may cause your condition to worsen.

Although side effects from ropinirole are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

involuntary movements
dizziness
drowsiness
excessive tiredness
headache
upset stomach
heartburn
vomiting
constipation
frequent urination
dry mouth
decreased sexual ability
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

hallucinations
fainting
high temperature, rigid muscles, confusion
increased sweating
irregular heartbeat
chest pain
swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs
cold or flu-like symptoms
changes in vision
falling asleep while eating, having a conversation, or in the middle of another activity

IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, excessive sweating, claustrophobia, involuntary muscle movements in the limbs or face, palpitations, weakness, and nightmares.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinsons disease and restless leg syndrome. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication

Before taking ropinirole,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ropinirole or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetophenazine (Tindal), amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), bromocriptine (Parlodel), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), chlorprothixene (Taractan), cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), diltiazem (Cardiazem), enoxacin (Penetrex), erythromycin, estrogen (birth control pills or estrogen tablets or patches), fluphenazine (Prolixin), fluvoxamine (Fluvox), haloperidol (Haldol), levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, and Sinemet), medications for anxiety, medications that cause drowsiness, mesoridazine (Serentil), methdilazine (Tacaryl), metoclopramide (Reglan), mexiletine (Mexitil), norfloxacin (Noroxin), pergolide (Permax), perphenazine (Trilafon), pramipexole (Mirapex), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promazine (Sparine), promethazine (Phenergan), selegiline (Eldepryl), sleeping pills, tacrine (Cognex), thioridazine (Mellaril), triflupromazine (Vesprin), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), trimeprazine (Temaril), thiothixene (Navane), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ropinirole, call your doctor immediately.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or may make you fall asleep during activities of daily living. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how ropinirole will affect you. This is especially important during the first 3-5 days of therapy and whenever your dose is increased.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
you should know that this drug may decrease your blood pressure. You should not move rapidly after sitting or lying down. This is especially important during the first 3-5 days of therapy and whenever your dose is increased.