Update on ropinirole in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist, approved for use to treat symptoms of early and advanced Parkinson’s disease, is now available in a 24-hour formulation in addition to the immediate release version. This review discusses the mode of action of ropinirole and compares the pharmacokinetics of both formulations. Pivotal studies leading to the approval of both preparations are reviewed in terms of efficacy, dose range and side effects. Patient factors such as compliance are discussed in terms of the place for ropinirole in the armamentarium of Parkinson’s disease therapies.