Key facts about Ropinirole
What dosages is Ropinirole available in?
Ropinirole is available as a 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, and 5 mg oral tablet.
What is Ropinirole used for?
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that is used to treat:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) – immediate-release tablets only
How does Ropinirole work?
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist. It’s not completely known how the medication works. But it’s thought to act like a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome seem to be caused by problems in the dopamine system in the brain. So by acting like dopamine, Ropinirole helps improve movement problems for people with Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome.
How do I take Ropinirole?
For Parkinson’s disease: The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg by mouth three times daily. The maximum dose is 24 mg per day.
For restless legs syndrome: The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 4 mg per day. You should take the medication 1 to 3 hours before bedtime.
Is it safe for me to take Ropinirole?
Ropinirole is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Ropinirole Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Ropinirole:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Feeling faint
- Vomiting
- Viral infection
- Indigestion
Ropinirole Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Ropinirole. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious withdrawal symptoms (neuroleptic malignant syndrome): fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Impulse-control behavior: intense urges for certain behaviors (e.g., gambling, shopping, binge eating, engaging in sexual activity)
- Changes in behavior or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Ropinirole
The following medications may interact with Ropinirole:
- Inhibitors or inducers of CYP1A2: May alter the clearance of Ropinirole; dose adjustment may be required
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Starting or stopping HRT may require dose adjustment of Ropinirole
- Dopamine antagonists (e.g., neuroleptics, metoclopramide): May reduce efficacy of Ropinirole
Who makes Ropinirole?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Ropinirole safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, Ropinirole may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.













