Mirapex Uses

Mirapex is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that affects muscle control and balance, characterized by slowed movements, muscle stiffness, tremors, and imbalance. It occurs due to low levels of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called dopamine. Mirapex is also used to treat restless legs syndrome, a condition that causes discomfort and strong urges to move the legs, especially in a sitting or lying position.

There may be other uses of Mirapex—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Mirapex Mechanism of Action

Mirapex works by replacing dopamine, a certain natural substance that is deficient in the brains of people with Parkinson disease. It is not clear how exactly Mirapex benefits people with restless legs, but there is evidence that dopamine receptors are involved in this condition.

Mirapex Doses

Mirapex comes in the form of 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, and 1.5 mg regular (immediate-release) tablets and 0.375 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 2.25 mg, 3 mg, 3.75 mg, and 4.5 mg long-acting (extended release) tablets.

For symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the usual starting dose of Mirapex regular tablets is 0.375 mg daily in three divided doses. This dose can be increased every 5-7 days until maximum therapeutic effect is achieved, balanced against side effects. The dose can be increased up to a maximum of 1.5 mg three times a day for a total daily dose of 4.5 mg. 

The initial dose of Mirapex ER (extended release) is usually 0.375 mg once daily. This dose can be increased gradually every 5-7 days up to the maximum recommended dose of 4.5 mg daily. People with renal impairment (kidney disease) may need to take lower doses of Mirapex.

To treat symptoms of restless legs, the initial dose of Mirapex regular tablets is usually 0.125 mg once daily taken 2-3 hours before bedtime. The dose can be increased every 4-7 days up to 0.75 mg, although most patients do not get additional benefits from doses larger than 0.5 mg. The extended release tablets of Mirapex are not prescribed to people with restless legs.