Drugs >  Ropinirole
Ropinirole
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(roe PIN i role)

Brand Names
Requip™

Therapeutic Categories
Anti-Parkinson's Agent (Dopamine Agonist)

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to ropinirole or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.


How does it work?

  • Ropinirole excites certain spots in the brain. This balances the chemicals in the brain.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel dizzy, confused, or sleepy.
  • Over the first months, doses of this medicine will change.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you. If you fall asleep while doing an activity of daily living (watching TV, eating, visiting for example) then do not drive.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. Some medicines may not mix well.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Side effects may change depending on how severe your Parkinson's disease is and other medicines you are taking.
  • Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or tired. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch your symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Are they better, worse, or about the same?
  • Watch for sleepiness. If it is severe or occurs while eating or talking then tell healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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