Requip

Common Name: ropinirole

How does Requip work?

Ropinirole belongs to the class of medications called antiparkinsonian agents. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve muscle control and movement by affecting the balance of a certain chemical in the brain called dopamine. Ropinirole may be used alone or in combination with another medication called levodopa also used to treat Parkinson's disease. It may take several weeks for ropinirole to take effect. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Requip?

The recommended adult starting dose of ropinirole is 0.25 mg three times daily. The dose may be increased weekly up to a maximum of 8 mg three times daily as needed in individual circumstances. Ropinirole may be taken with or without food. If nausea occurs, take the tablets with food to prevent stomach upset. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking with your doctor first. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Requip come in?

ReQuip® is available in strengths of 0.25 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg. 0.25 mg: Each white, pentagonal, film-coated, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted with "SB" and "4890", contains ropinirole HCl 0.25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydrous lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide. 1 mg: Each green, pentagonal, film-coated, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted with "SB" and "4892", contains ropinirole HCl 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydrous lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide. 2 mg: Each pale pink, pentagonal, film-coated, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted with "SB" and "4893", contains ropinirole HCl 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydrous lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide. 5 mg: Each blue, pentagonal, film-coated, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted with "SB" and "4894", contains ropinirole HCl 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydrous lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain sucrose, tartrazine, or any other azo dyes.

What should I NOT take with Requip?

Ropinirole should not be taken by anyone allergic to ropinirole or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Requip?

Dizziness: Ropinirole may cause dizziness when moving from a lying or sitting postion to a standing position. This usually happens at the start of treatment or when the dose is being increased. Hallucinations: Ropinirole causes hallucinations for about 5% of people who take it and for about 10% of people who take it at the same time as levodopa. The incidence of hallucinations increases as the dose increases. Heart disease: This medication has not been studied for use by people with significant heart disease. People with heart disease who are taking ropinirole should be closely monitored by their doctor. Occupational hazards: Ropinirole may cause dizziness or lightheadedness as well as drowsiness for some people. Do not drive or operate potentially dangerous machinery until you determine that ropinirole does not affect your ability to do such activities. Pregnancy: The used of ropinirole during pregnancy is not recommended. Breast-feeding: Since ropinirole reduces the production of breast milk, it should not be taken by women who wish to breast-feed their children. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for use by children.