Ropinirole Hydrochloride

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.