Requip

Requip is a drug prescribed to control Parkinson’s Disease. It contains Ropinirole. This substance belongs to a non-ergoline dopamine agonist group.

Composition

A medication of prolonged effect has a pinkish shell. Requip has a pink color, capsule-shaped. On both sides, there are inscriptions: “GS” and “3V2”.

Each element of these tablets contains ropinirole. In addition, there are additional elements. Among them, there are hypromellose, glyceryl. There is an additional active layer of medication. It consists of:

• hypromellose;
• maltodextrin;
• magnesium stearate;
• silicon.

The film membrane is covered by opadry.

Requip is a strong medication that stimulates dopaminergic transmission in the central nervous system. Requip is considered a full-fledged precursor of dopamine.

Pharmacology

Requip is a selective non-ergoline receptor agonist. It has a strong effect on nerve elements. The action is implemented by a synthetic neurotransmitter. Ropinirole minimizes the stiffness, tremor that occurs with a neurological disease.

The medication is aimed at filling the deficits of the dopamine element. Requip affects the hypothalamic-pituitary level.

Due to the balanced composition, there are no significant differences in the pharmacodynamics of different groups of patients. Bioavailability is significantly increased in women. It is explained by their lower weight. Although in general, it is not high (up to 50%). A similar drug is released slowly.

After oral administration of medication together with a meal rich in fats, the exposure of the element increases significantly. An increase in the duration of exposure to the drug is proportional to the increase in dosage.

The degree of binding to protein blood elements is extremely small. Due to pronounced lipophilicity, the drug has a significant Vd.

At the same time, there is no difference in the withdrawal of medication after a single dose of it or with systematic, constant use.

Indications for use

The main purpose of this drug is Parkinson’s disease in its various manifestations:

• early stages – the medicine is used for monotherapy in cases when dopaminergic support is required;
• late stages – combined treatment of patients who are on levodopa (prescribed to increase the effectiveness of the latter);
• at any stage – used to reduce the daily dosage of levodopa medications.

Contraindications

Instructions for use indicate that the medication should not be prescribed with:

• mental disabilities;
• inferior liver function;
• lesions of the renal elements;
• some hereditary diseases;
• pregnancy;
• hypersensitivity.

According to the instructions, it is necessary to prescribe the drug with caution to those patients who have a history of problems with the heart or vascular bed.

It is possible to give ropinirole to persons with mental disorders, but only when the severity of the expected benefits will exceed all potential risks.

Mode of application

Requip is an oral medication that is used regardless of the meal. A single drug dose is in one tablet. The use of the medication is prescribed daily once a day, always in one and the same time. The tablet is swallowed whole without breaking. Dosage is always selected individually. According to the instructions, it all depends on the severity of the condition, the response to therapy and the patient’s well-being.

Dose reduction is required when the first signs of drowsiness appear. Unpleasant symptoms during therapy – an occasion to review the regimen and concentration of the drug. It is important to titrate the dosage of the drug when skipping at least one dose. Requip should be withdrawn carefully. According to a certain scheme, a patient should gradually reduce the daily dose for at least 1 week.

Often, the initial concentration of the drug is 2 mg 1 time/day for one week. Subsequently, the dose is increased by 2 mg at intervals of at least 1 week to 8 mg/day.

Elderly people do not require any dosage adjustments. There are no features of the treatment of these individuals, although, according to the instructions, the clearance of the drug may slightly decrease.

The medication is prohibited for pregnant women since it does not favorably affect the developing fetus.

Side effects

The following can often occur:

• drowsiness;
• hallucinations;
• head spinning;
• hypotension;
• various dyskinesias;
• soreness in the abdominal cavity;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• peripheral puffiness.

Applying a medication with its intolerance, allergic reactions may occur with the following symptoms: urticaria, angioedema, rash, itching.

Using a medication, drowsiness or entire episodes of sudden falling asleep may appear. If reactions occur, therapy should be canceled as fast as possible. When using the medicine, it is important to monitor blood pressure, because hypotension is possible to develop.

There is evidence of a paradoxical deterioration in restless legs’ syndrome. There is a rebound syndrome. In such cases, it is important to review the treatment tactics, specifying the dose. Complete drug withdrawal may be required.

Nicotine greatly enhances and accelerates the isoenzyme, which is responsible for the decay of the drug elements. Therefore, if the patient smokes during treatment, a substantial dosage adjustment of the drug may be necessary.