Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet

Uses of Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet

• Parkinson's disease
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

How does Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet work?

This medication works as a dopamine agonist with a high affinity for the D3 receptors concentrated in the limbic areas of the brain which is responsible for the neuropsychiatric effects and the affinity for D2 receptors account for the benefits on the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Side Effects of Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Swelling of legs
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Sweating
• Heartburn
• Drowsiness
• Upset stomach

Quick Suggestions:

• Administration: You can take the tablet with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce nausea. If you are using it for restless leg syndrome, take it 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
• Alertness and Activities: Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
• Blood Pressure: When you start taking Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet, it may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions. To minimize the risk of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes can help improve your medical condition. Quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise is beneficial for managing Parkinson's disease. Exercise helps with muscle stiffness, mood enhancement, and stress reduction. Additionally, relaxation exercises, leg massages, or taking a hot bath in the evening can provide relief.
• Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups to provide your body with essential nutrients for overall health. For individuals with Parkinson's disease who may experience constipation, it is important to include fiber-rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grains.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit or avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Compulsive Behaviors: Inform your doctor if you develop compulsive behaviors that are difficult to control, such as binge eating, gambling, excessive spending, or increased sexual urges.
• Behavioral Changes: If you experience hallucinations or other changes in behavior, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
• Discontinuation: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Indication of Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet

Ropinirole is used for the treatment of -

• Ssymptoms in medical conditions are called Restless legs syndrome where patients have a strong desire to move their legs, arms, or other parts of their body.
• Parkinson's disease is characterized by impaired posture and balance, shakiness, stiffness of muscle, and inability to perform basic body movements.

Pharmacology

Perkirol (Ropinirole) is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist that specifically targets and activates the D2 and D3 subtypes of dopamine receptors. Its precise mechanism of action in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is not fully understood. However, it is believed that Perkirol works by stimulating these dopamine receptors, which helps to restore and regulate dopamine levels in the brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motor control and movement. In Parkinson's disease, there is a deficiency of dopamine due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. By acting as a dopamine agonist, Perkirol can mimic the effects of dopamine and help alleviate the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, such as rigidity, tremors, and impaired movement.

In the case of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), the exact cause is not fully understood. However, dopamine dysfunction in the brain has been implicated as a contributing factor. By stimulating dopamine receptors, Perkirol may help regulate dopamine levels and alleviate the symptoms of RLS, such as the irresistible urge to move the legs or arms and associated discomfort or sensations.

It is important to note that while the mechanism of action of Perkirol involves dopamine receptor stimulation, the precise details of how it produces its therapeutic effects in Parkinson's disease and RLS are still under investigation.

Dosage & Administration of Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet

• For the treatment of Parkinson's disease as monotherapy in adults, the recommended starting dose of oral Ropinirole is 250 mcg (micrograms) taken three times a day (tid). The dose can be increased by 750 mcg at weekly intervals during the first four weeks of treatment. Afterward, further dose adjustments can be made in increments of 1.5 mg (milligrams) at weekly intervals, up to a maximum of 9 mg per day. The usual daily dose ranges from 3-9 mg. In some cases, higher doses up to a maximum of 24 mg per day may be necessary, particularly when used in combination with levodopa. It is recommended to withdraw the medication gradually if discontinuation is necessary.
• For the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in adults, the initial dose of oral Ropinirole is 250 mcg daily for two days, take 1-3 hours before bedtime. The dose may then be increased to 500 mcg daily for the following few days. Subsequent increases can be made in steps of 500 mcg at weekly intervals until a maximum daily dose of 3 mg is reached. The maximum recommended daily dose for RLS is 4 mg.
• Individuals with hepatic impairment may require dosage adjustments, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing guidelines.

It is important to note that the dosing information provided here is a general guideline, and actual dosages should be determined by a healthcare provider based on individual patient factors and response to treatment.

Interaction

Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. Here are some important interactions to be aware of:

Drug Interactions:

Antipsychotic medications (e.g., amisulpride): Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet may interact with antipsychotic medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Close monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary if using these medications together.

Analgesic medications (e.g., propoxyphene): There may be interactions between Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet and analgesic medications. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of these medications or monitor you closely for any adverse effects.

Central nervous system depressants (e.g., sodium oxybate): Combining Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet with central nervous system depressants can enhance the sedative effects of both medications. Caution should be exercised, and your doctor may need to adjust the dosages accordingly.

Food Interactions:

• Alcohol: It is recommended to limit or reduce alcohol consumption while taking Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet, as alcohol may worsen the side effects of the medication.

Disease Interactions:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure): Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet may lower blood pressure. If you have a history of hypotension, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure closely and may adjust the dosage accordingly.
• Psychosis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet may interact with these conditions, and your doctor will need to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of using the medication in such cases.
• Cardiovascular disease: Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet can affect heart function, so caution is advised in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Regular monitoring may be necessary.
• Hepatic dysfunction (liver problems) and renal dysfunction (kidney problems): Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet may require dosage adjustments or careful monitoring in individuals with impaired liver or kidney function. Your doctor will consider these factors and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in patients known to have a hypersensitivity to Ropinirole

Pregnancy & Lactation

Ropinirole is classified as pregnancy category C, indicating that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies available in pregnant women. Therefore, the use of Ropinirole during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before taking Ropinirole if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Additionally, Ropinirole has been shown to inhibit prolactin secretion in humans, which could potentially interfere with lactation. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking Ropinirole.

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients taking Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet may experience drowsiness or sleepiness during daily activities. Therefore, it is advised to avoid driving or operating machinery that requires clear attention while on this medication. It is important to inform your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure, hepatic or renal impairment, heart conditions, psychosis, or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Individuals with Parkinson's disease are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. It is recommended to use sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, before going out in the sun.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
• Do not stop taking Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including mood swings, fatigue, sweating, and pain. If you need to discontinue the medication, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. It is important to follow your doctor's guidance when stopping the medication.

Storage Conditions

• Store Perkirol 0.25mg Tablet at a temperature not above 25°C in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.