Description

Description

Requip 0.25mg is a prescription medicine manufactured by GSK Pakistan Limited, containing Ropinirole as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of medicines known as non-ergoline dopamine agonists, which work by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger in the brain that plays a key role in controlling movement. By stimulating dopamine receptors, Requip helps improve motor symptoms in certain neurological conditions and helps calm the uncomfortable sensations associated with restless legs syndrome. The 0.25mg strength is commonly used as a starting dose, allowing the treatment to be introduced gradually under a doctor’s supervision. Each pack contains 21 tablets, generally intended for the initial phase of treatment before any dose adjustments are made.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in each tablet is Ropinirole at a strength of 0.25mg. The tablet also contains standard inactive excipients, including fillers, binders, and coating agents, which give the tablet its physical structure and help support consistent absorption once taken. These excipients have no pharmacological effect of their own.

Dosage Form

Requip is supplied as an oral tablet, manufactured to a precise 0.25mg strength to allow for careful, gradual dose titration. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, split, or chewed unless a doctor has specifically advised otherwise.

Uses

Requip (Ropinirole) is prescribed for:

• Parkinson’s Disease: Used to help manage motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement, either on its own or alongside other Parkinson’s medicines.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Used to relieve the uncomfortable urge to move the legs, along with associated sensations such as tingling, itching, or throbbing, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe.

The specific condition being treated, along with the starting dose and any future adjustments, is determined by the prescribing doctor based on an individual assessment.

How to Use

Requip should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, generally with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without food — taking it with food may help reduce nausea, especially when starting treatment. Treatment usually begins at a low dose, such as this 0.25mg strength, which may be gradually increased over time based on your doctor’s assessment of your response. Never increase your dose, skip doses, or stop this medicine suddenly without medical guidance, as abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, or confusion. If a dose is missed, contact your doctor for advice on how to proceed rather than adjusting your next dose on your own.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Requip include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach upset, particularly during the early stages of treatment or after a dose increase. A notable and important effect associated with this medicine is the possibility of sudden, unexpected episodes of falling asleep during normal daytime activities, sometimes without any prior warning of drowsiness — patients should be especially cautious about driving or operating machinery until they know how this medicine affects them. Some patients may also experience low blood pressure on standing, which can cause lightheadedness or fainting, particularly when starting treatment or after a dose change. Ropinirole and other dopamine agonists have also been linked to difficulty controlling certain urges or impulses, such as gambling, shopping, eating, or heightened sexual urges; anyone noticing such changes in behavior should discuss this openly with their doctor. This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and patients should refer to the official patient leaflet or consult their doctor for complete information.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss their treatment with a doctor before starting or continuing Requip. There are limited human studies on the use of Ropinirole during pregnancy, so this medicine is generally used only if the potential benefit is judged by a doctor to outweigh any possible risk to the developing baby. It is not known whether Ropinirole passes into breast milk, but it may reduce breast milk production, so a doctor should be consulted before breastfeeding while taking this medicine. Any decisions about pregnancy planning, ongoing pregnancy, or breastfeeding while on Requip should always be made together with your prescribing doctor.

Storage Instructions

Store Requip tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging until ready for use, ensuring the container remains tightly closed. Store this medicine out of the reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use tablets beyond their printed expiry date, and dispose of any unused or expired medicine responsibly rather than through household waste.

FAQS

Why does treatment usually start with a low dose like 0.25mg? Starting at a low dose allows your body to adjust gradually, helping to reduce side effects such as nausea and dizziness before any dose increase is considered by your doctor.

Can Requip make me fall asleep suddenly during the day? Yes, some patients experience sudden episodes of sleepiness without warning. Use caution with driving or activities requiring alertness until you understand how this medicine affects you.

What should I do if I notice unusual urges, like an increased desire to gamble or shop, after starting this medicine? Speak with your doctor as soon as possible, since dopamine agonists like Ropinirole have been associated with difficulty controlling certain impulses in some patients.

Can I stop taking Requip if I feel my symptoms have improved? No. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Any changes to your treatment should be made gradually and only under your doctor’s guidance.

Disclaimer

Always use this medicine strictly according to your doctor’s instructions and prescribed dosage.