Requip

What is it?

A dopamine agonist available as film-coated, pentagonal tablets in 4 strengths, all containing ropinirole as hydrochloride; white tablets contain 0.25mg; green, con tain 1 mg; pink, contain 2mg and blue, contain 5mg.

Medical Uses

Parkinson's disease, either as sole treatment or combined with levodopa.

Dosage

Adults, 1st week, 0.25mg 3 times each day; 2nd week, 0.5mg 3 times each day; 3rd week, 0.75mg 3 times each day; 4th week, 1mg 3 times each day. All doses to be taken with meals. Then, continue to increase gradually every week in increments of up to 3mg each day, as needed, until control is achieved - generally in order of 3 to 9mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 24mg.

Special Care

Psychotic disorders, serious heart and circulatory disease. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, serious kidney or liver disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs affecting CYP1A2, other dopamine agonists, antihypertensives, neuroleptics, high doses of oestrogens, antiarrhythmics, HRT, alcohol.

Known Side Effects

Fainting, confusion, slow heartbeat, leg swelling due to fluid retention, sleepiness, hallucinations, gastrointestinal upset, difficulty in performing voluntary movements. In rare cases, falling asleep suddenly - patients should be informed of this possibility.