Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
Brand Name :
Requip XL, Requip
Synonyms :
ropinirole
Class :
Antiparkinson Agents, Dopamine Agonists
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Tablet
0.25mg
0.5mg
1mg
2mg
3mg
4mg
5mg
Extended-release tablet
2mg
4mg
6mg
8mg
12mg
Immediate release tablet- Initially, 0.25 mg orally every 8 hours for 1 week
Increase the dose weekly by 0.25 mg every 8 hours
If required, increase after 4 weeks
The dose may be increased each week by 1.5- 9 mg/day
Later increase it weekly by 3-24 mg/day
Extended-release tablet- Initially, 2 mg/day orally for 1-2 weeks
Increase the dose by 2 mg/day at a gap of more than 1 week
Do not exceed the dose of more than 24 mg/day
Safety and efficacy are not seen in pediatrics
Refer to the adult dosing
It may enhance the toxicity effects when combined with moexipril
the efficacy of dopamine agonists is decreased with methotrimeprazine when combined
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
they increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
they increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
they increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
ropinirole: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Inhibitors
ropinirole: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Inhibitors
ropinirole: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Inhibitors
ropinirole: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Inhibitors
ropinirole: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP1A2 Inhibitors
acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin
It may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Dopamine agonists
brompheniramine, dextromethorphan and phenylephrine
It may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Dopamine agonists
It may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Dopamine agonists
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
CNS depressants increase the effect of sedation of ropinirole
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
may increase the CNS depressant effect
may increase the sedative effect
may increase the sedative effect of CNS depressants
spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
it may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Diuretics
it may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Diuretics
it may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Diuretics
it may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Diuretics
it may enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity when combined with Diuretics
may diminish the therapeutic effect of the drug
may diminish the therapeutic effect of the drug
may diminish the therapeutic effect of the drug
may diminish the therapeutic effect of the drug
may diminish the therapeutic effect of the drug
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions:
Spectrum:
ropinirole has a relatively selective action on dopamine receptors, primarily targeting D2 and D3 receptors. It exhibits a higher affinity for the D2 receptor subtype than D3 receptors. This selectivity is advantageous as it allows ropinirole to target the specific dopamine receptors in the motor control pathways affected by Parkinson’s disease and RLS.
Frequency defined
>10%
Nausea (40-60%)
Syncope (1-12%)
Vomiting (12%)
Dizziness (6-40%)
Somnolence (11-40%)
Dyspepsia (10%)
Falls (10%)
Fatigue (8-11%)
Viral infection (11%)
1-10%
Hypertension (5%)
Chest pain (4%)
Palpitation (3%)
Flushing (3%)
Orthostasis (1-6%)
Hyperhidrosis (3%)
Abnormal pain (3-7%)
Extrasystoles (2%)
Tachycardia (2%)
Anorexia (4%)
Urinary tract infection (5%)
Impotence (3%)
Flatulence (3%)
Malaise (3%)
Hypoesthesia (4%)
Xerophthalmia (2%)
Increased diaphoresis (3-6%)
Alkaline phosphatase (3%)
Abnormal vision (6%)
<1%
Aneurysm
Agitation
Aphasia
Valvulopathy
Cellulitis
Colitis
Bradycardia
Cardiac arrest
Delusion
Ulceration
Glaucoma
Psychotic-like behavior
Delirium
Diaphoresis
Dyspnea
Black Box Warning:
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications:
Cautions:
Pregnancy consideration:
No adequate data is available regarding the usage in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding warnings:
The presence of the drug in breast milk is unknown.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology:
ropinirole acts as a selective agonist at dopamine receptors in the brain, primarily targeting the D2 and D3 receptor subtypes. By binding to these receptors, ropinirole mimics the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motor control and other functions.
ropinirole stimulates postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the striatum, which helps restore dopamine-mediated signaling pathways disrupted in Parkinson’s disease. It activates D2 and D3 receptors, leading to increased dopamine receptor activation and improved motor symptoms.
Pharmacodynamics:
ropinirole stimulates postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly in the striatum, which is involved in motor control. By activating D2 and D3 receptors, ropinirole increases the dopaminergic signaling in these regions, compensating for the deficiency of endogenous dopamine in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Administration:
ropinirole is available in different formulations and is typically administered orally. The specific administration instructions may vary depending on the formulation and the treated condition.
ropinirole is commonly taken in divided doses throughout the day, especially for Parkinson’s disease. The exact timing of the doses will depend on the specific treatment regimen the healthcare professional prescribes.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: ropinirole
Why do we use ropinirole?
ropinirole is utilized to manage Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder in which dopamine-producing cells in the brain are lost. ropinirole is also approved for managing moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome. In this neurological disorder, an uncontrollable urge to move the legs and uncomfortable sensations are often seen.