Last update July 11, 2025

Ropinirole Hydrochloride

Limited compatibility

Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.

Non-ergoline D2/D3 dopamine agonist. Indicated for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome (one dose at night). Oral administration in three daily doses.

At the date of the last update, we found no data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic data do not allow for easy prediction of its possible passage into breast milk, as while its low protein binding would not prevent this, its very large volume of distribution makes it difficult.

Its low bioavailability, which decreases further when taken with food, suggests that little passes into the infant's plasma, except in the neonatal period and in cases of prematurity, when intestinal absorption may be increased.

Its side effects are neither frequent nor serious.

It decreases prolactin levels (de Mey 1990, Acton 1989), which may affect milk production during the first weeks after birth. In fact, it can be used as a substitute for ergot derivatives in the treatment of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia or secondary to microprolactinoma. (Heneghan 2024)

Plasma levels increase significantly when taken with ciprofloxacin. (Kaye 2000)

If taken during breastfeeding, it is prudent to avoid the first 15 to 20 days and monitor milk production and the appearance of nausea, constipation, sweating, drowsiness or irritability in the infant. Waiting 6 hours after taking the medication minimises its possible passage into milk.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Ropinirole Hydrochloride.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Ropinirole Hydrochloride in other languages or writings:

Group

Ropinirole Hydrochloride belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Ropinirole Hydrochloride in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 45 - 55 %
Molecular weight 297 daltons
Protein Binding 40 %
VD 7.5 l/Kg
pKa 12.27 -
Tmax 1 - 2 hours
6 hours

References

  1. Heneghan LJ, Tsang A, Dimino C, Khandji AG, Panigrahi SK, Page-Wilson G. Ropinirole for the Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia: A Dose-Escalation Study of Efficacy and Tolerability. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Jan 18;109(2):e667-e674. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. GSK. Ropinirole. Drug Summary. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  3. AEMPS. Ropinirol. Ficha técnica. 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Kaye CM, Nicholls B. Clinical pharmacokinetics of ropinirole. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2000 Abstract
  5. de Mey C, Enterling D, Meineke I, Yeulet S. Interactions between domperidone and ropinirole, a novel dopamine D2-receptor agonist. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  6. de Mey C, Enterling D, Meineke I, Brendel E. Effects of the novel D2-dopaminergic agonist ropinirol on supine resting and stimulated circulatory and neuroendocrine variables in healthy volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung. 1990 Abstract
  7. 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 Abstract Full text (link to original source)

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