What is this medication for?

Pramipexole can be used alone or in combination with other medications ( e.g. Levodopa preparations) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects body movement. This medication helps to improve muscle control and allows for more normal body movements.

Pramipexole can be also used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them during periods of rest or inactivity such as sitting or lying down.

How should I take/use this medication?

• You may take Pramipexole with food to reduce nausea

• Extended release Pramipexole tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing

• For restless leg syndrome, take Pramipexole two to three hours prior to bedtime

• Do not stop taking Pramipexole without checking with your healthcare professional. When you stop this medication, you may have signs of withdrawal. If you need to stop this medication, follow how to stop it as your doctor has told you. Seek medical advice immediately if you have any of these signs when lowering the dose or stopping this medication: fever, confusion, severe muscle stiffness, not caring about things, anxiety, depression, feeling tired, trouble sleeping, sweating, or pain.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

For extended release Pramipexole:

• If it has been 12 hours or more since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the usual time which you will take the medicine.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication

• You have heart, kidney or mental health condition

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Drowsiness
• Avoid activities requiring attention like driving or operating machinery
  
• Nausea or vomiting
• May take after meals if nausea/vomiting occurs

• Constipation

• Low blood pressure resulting in dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

• Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position to reduce chances of dizziness

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
  
  

Some rare but serious side effects includes

• Strong urge that are hard to control (such as eating, gambling, spending money)

• New or worsening behaviour or agitation

• Sleep attacks (sudden onset of sleep without being aware)

• Swelling in arms or legs due to retention of water

• Heart failure

  • Studies have identified a possible link between heart failure and Pramipexole use.

  • Risk factors include long duration of Pramipexole use, history of heart condition or advanced age

  • Symptoms of heart failure can include shortness of breath, weight gain, swelling in arms or legs

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Avoid taking alcohol when you are taking Pramipexole as it may cause drowsiness.

The following medication may affect the efficacy of Pramipexole. Discuss with your healthcare professional regarding alternative medication.

• Metoclopramide, a medication used for vomiting or digestion

• Amisulpride and Sulpiride used in treatment of mental health condition

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Mar 2023