Rotigotine

Uses of Rotigotine

Rotigotine is commonly used to treat Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome

How Rotigotine Works

Rotigotine is a dopamine agonist in the form of a transdermal patch. It helps to increase the level and activity of dopamine in the body so it can relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome.

Side Effects of Rotigotine

Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Decreased appetite, Insomnia, Profuse sweating, Headache, Anxiety, Heartburn, Peripheral oedema, Abnormal movements, Hypotension, Application site reactions

Warnings

Kidney Safe If Prescribed

Rotigotine is safe to be used in patients with kidney impairment.

Alcohol Not Advisable

Alcohol may accentuate the sedative effect caused by Rotigotine. Thus, it is not advisable to use alcohol and Rotigotine concomitantly.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicities but there are limited data on the use of Rotigotine in pregnant women. Thus, it is not advisable to be used during pregnancy as risks cannot be excluded.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Rotigotine may cause side effects such as impaired alertness, drowsiness or sleepiness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

Caution use has to be practised in patients with severe liver impairment as it may reduce Rotigotine clearance.

Lactation Not Advisable

Rotigotine decreases the prolactin secretion in human, which will lead to the suppression of milk production. Thus, it should be discontinued during breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).