What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

dizzy or fainting spells

heart disease

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

low blood pressure

sleeping problems

an unusual or allergic reaction to ropinirole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

ciprofloxacin

female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills

medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

metoclopramide

mexiletine

norfloxacin

omeprazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol

benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other drying medicines used for acne

medicines for seizures

orlistat

other drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun such as sulfa drugs

progestin-only birth control hormones

st. john's wort

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks or months before you feel the full effect of this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking some medicines for Parkinson's disease. If you experience any of these urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.
You should check your skin often for changes to moles and new growths while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

changes in vision

chest pain

confusion

fast, irregular heartbeat

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

hallucination, loss of contact with reality

ncrease or decrease in blood pressure

joint or muscle pain

loss of bladder control

numbness, tingling, or prickly sensations

shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, or wheezing

suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

clumsiness, feeling unsteady, or dizziness, especially early in treatment

flushing

headache

ncreased sweating

nausea

tremor

yawning

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.