Ropinirole
Ropinirole is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson's disease and Restless Leg Syndrome. It works by stimulating dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to help improve motor function and reduce symptoms. The medication requires gradual dose titration starting from a low dose to minimize common side effects like nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that treats Parkinson's disease and Restless Leg Syndrome by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N04BC04
- RxNorm
- 72302
- Generic
- Ropinirole
- Class
- atc-n04
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue or do not use
ropinirole is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding should be avoided
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose
use with caution; increased risk of hallucinations and hypotension
monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose
dose reduction recommended for CrCl less than 30 mL/min
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
no specific dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Ropinirole is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and to reduce moderate-to-severe Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). It may be used alone or in combination with other medications.
Ropinirole is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist. It works by stimulating dopamine D2 receptors in the caudate-putamen region of the brain. While the exact mechanism for treating Parkinson's disease is unknown, its therapeutic effect is believed to be related to its ability to activate these dopamine receptors.
Start treatment with a low dose and gradually increase to reduce nausea, dizziness, and somnolence. May cause sudden sleep attacks; use caution when driving. Avoid alcohol. Do not stop abruptly—discontinue gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor if you experience unusual urges or behaviors.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy