Ropinirole

Trade names

• REQUIP
• REPREVE
• ROPINIROL
• ADARTREL

Actions

• Agonist for D2, D3 and D4 dopamine receptors (with highest affinityfor D2).
• Weak agonist for 5-HT2 and α2 adrenergic receptors.

Route of Administration

Oral

Bioavailability

50%

Plasma protein binding

40%

Half-life

5-6 hours

Metabolism

Hepatic

Elimination

Renal and biliary

Important side-effects

Excessive sleepiness.

Impaired impulse control (gambling, compulsive shopping, compulsive eating, etc).

Hypersexuality.

Confusion, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis.

Dyskinesia.

Orthostatic hypotension.

Recommended dose

Start with 0.25 mg three times daily.

If necessary, titrate weekly by 0.25 mg increments three times daily to a maximum dose of 1 mg three times daily

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-50 ml/min).

In patients with severe renal impairment that do not receive regular dialysis, ropinirole is not recommended.

Hepatic impairment

Ropinirole is contraindicated in patients with impaired hepatic function.