What is this medication for?

Ropinirole can be used alone or in combination with other medications (such as Levodopa-containing products) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that makes body movement harder over time. This medication helps to improve muscle control and allows more normal body movements.

Ropinirole can be also used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs. This makes a person unable to resist moving them during periods of rest or inactivity such as sitting or lying down.

How should I take/use this medication?

• You may take Ropinirole with or without food.

• The extended release formulation of Ropinirole should be swallowed whole and not crushed.

• Do not stop taking Ropinirole 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.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

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

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

• You have any kidney, liver, lung, heart or mental health conditions.

• 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.
• 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
• Nausea or vomiting
• May take after meals if you experience nausea or vomiting
• Involuntary movements of the body
• Discuss with your doctor if these involuntary movements do not go away

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:

• New or worsening behaviour or agitation

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

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)

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

• Swelling in arms and 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?

You should avoid taking alcohol when on Ropinirole as it may cause drowsiness.

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

• Metoclopramide, a medication used for vomiting or digestion

• Amisulpride and Sulpiride which are 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