Last reviewed · How we verify
Ropinirole (Requip)
Ropinirole is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist that stimulates dopamine signaling in the brain to improve motor control and reduce tremor.
Ropinirole is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist that stimulates dopamine signaling in the brain to improve motor control and reduce tremor. Used for Parkinson's disease (motor symptoms), Restless legs syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ropinirole (Requip) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | requip, ropinirole, requip XL |
| Sponsor | St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center |
| Drug class | Dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor, Dopamine D3 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ropinirole binds to and activates dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, particularly in the striatum and other basal ganglia structures. By mimicking dopamine's action, it compensates for the dopamine deficiency characteristic of Parkinson's disease, thereby alleviating motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It is also used in restless legs syndrome where dopaminergic dysfunction contributes to abnormal sensations and involuntary movements.
Approved indications
- Parkinson's disease (motor symptoms)
- Restless legs syndrome
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Hallucinations
- Syncope
Key clinical trials
- Infusion of Apomorphine: Long-term Safety Study (PHASE3)
- Gait Analysis in Neurological Disease
- Impact of Switching to Continuous Release Dopamine Agonists (PHASE3)
- Exercise Training Versus Ropinirole in Treating Restless Legs Syndrome Among Hemodialysis Patients (NA)
- Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia With the Non-ergoline Dopamine Agonist Ropinirole (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Butrans for Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Relative Bioavailability Study of Ropinirole Implants in Parkinson's Patients on L-Dopa Switched From Oral Ropinirole (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Ropinirole for the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ropinirole (Requip) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ropinirole (Requip) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center portfolio CI