The Basics
What is Ropinirole?
Used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome.
Brand names for Ropinirole
Requip
How Ropinirole is classified
Antiparkinson Agents, Dopamine Agonists
Ropinirole During Pregnancy
Ropinirole pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ropinirole while pregnant
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of REQUIP in pregnant women. In animal studies, ropinirole had adverse effects on development when administered to pregnant rats at doses similar to (neurobehavioral impairment) or greater than (teratogenicity and embryolethality at >36 times) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) for Parkinson’s disease. Ropinirole doses associated with teratogenicity and embryolethality in pregnant rats were associated with maternal toxicity. In pregnant rabbits, ropinirole potentiated the teratogenic effects of L-dopa when these drugs were administered in combination . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated populations is unknown.
Taking Ropinirole While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ropinirole?
No information is available on the use of ropinirole during breastfeeding, but it suppresses serum prolactin and may interfere with breastfeeding. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of ropinirole during breastfeeding, but it suppresses serum prolactin and may interfere with breastfeeding. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Ropinirole on milk supply
Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Ropinirole lowers serum prolactin.[1] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Ropinirole
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Acton G, Broom C. A dose rising study of the safety and effects on serum prolactin of SK&F 101468, a novel dopamine d2-receptor agonist. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1989;28:435-41. PMID: 2574051
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
