Ropinirole Uses

Ropinirole is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition characterized by slow movements, muscle stiffness, tremors, and balance problems due to low levels of a naturally occurring substance called dopamine in the brain. Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs, a condition characterized by discomfort and a strong urge to move the lower legs, more so at night and in a sitting or lying position. 

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

Ropinirole (Requip) Mechanism of Action

Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist, meaning it acts like dopamine, the natural substance that is in short supply in the brain of people with Parkinson disease. It is unclear how exactly ropinirole helps with restless legs, but evidence suggests that the dopaminergic system is involved in the development of this condition.

Ropinirole (Requip) Doses

Ropinirole is available as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, and 5 mg tablets. It is also available as 2 mg extended-release tablets. 

The usual starting dose of ropinirole to treat Parkinson’s disease is 0.25 mg three times a day (total daily dose 0.75 mg). This dose can be increased at weekly intervals if needed. The maximum dose is 24 mg per day. The extended-release (long-acting) tablet is taken once a day and is only used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s (it is not for restless legs syndrome).

The usual starting dose of ropinirole to treat restless legs syndrome is 0.25 mg once daily 1-3 hours before bedtime. This dose can be increased, if needed. The maximum dose for RLS is 4 mg per day.