The Web Health

Mirapex

Generic Name : pramipexole (also known as pram-i-PEX-ole
Brands Names : Mirapex, Mirapex Er
Class of drugs: dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

There is no evidence that the Mirapex brand name was removed within the U.S. If the generic version of this product is accepted by the FDA, it is possible that there are similar generic versions available.

What is Mirapex?

Mirapex contains some similar effects to dopamine, a chemical that is naturally present in the body. Dopamine levels that are low within the brain are linked to Parkinson's disease.

Mirapex can be used for treating symptoms of Parkinson's illness, like tremors, stiffness, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. Mirapex can also be utilized for treating Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

Tablets that release immediately (Mirapex) have been cleared to treat Parkinson's disease, or RLS. Extended-release tablets (Mirapex Extended Release) are approved only for treating Parkinson's symptoms.

Parkinson's disease and RLS are two distinct conditions. Being diagnosed with one condition doesn't mean that you will suffer from another.

Warnings

Certain people who take Mirapex may fall asleep during regular daytime activities like doing work, talking to friends, eating, or even driving. It is possible to fall asleep abruptly or even feel alert. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any symptoms of drowsiness or sleepiness during the day. If you're unsure how this medication will affect you, make sure to be cautious if you are driving or doing anything that requires you to stay conscious and awake.

It is possible that you will experience more sexual cravings, unusually strong urges to gamble, or any other strong urges during your treatment with Mirapex. Consult your physician. If you suspect you are experiencing an unusual or intense urge when taking Mirapex,.

Be careful not to get up too fast from lying or sitting in a position where you could get dizzy. Start slowly and steady yourself in order to stay safe from falling.

If you're taking Mirapex to treat rest leg syndrome (RLS), inform your physician if you notice that your symptoms become worse or happen in the morning or earlier than they do at night, or if you notice unrestful signs in your hands or arms.

Before you take this drug

Do not take Mirapex in case you have an allergy to pramipexole.

For you to be sure Mirapex is not harmful to you, inform your physician whether you've ever:

  • Low blood pressure
  • The feeling of being dizzy after rising too quickly;
  • Daytime drowsiness;
  • Kidney disease
  • Problems controlling your muscle movements.

People suffering from Parkinson's disease might be at greater risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Consult your doctor regarding the possibility of developing this skin cancer and also about what warning signs to be aware of.

FDA pregnancy classification C. It's unclear how Mirapex could harm a newborn child. Inform your physician if you are expecting or planning to get pregnant using the drug.

It's not clear if pramipexole is absorbed into breast milk or whether it is harmful to a breastfeeding baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed when you are taking this drug.

Similar/related medications

ropinirole, pramipexole, carbidopa/levodopa , benztropine, levodopa, Requip, and Exelon

How to take Mirapex?

Use Mirapex exactly as recommended by your physician. Make sure you follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Sometimes, your doctor will alter the dosage to ensure that you are getting the most effective result. Don't take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for a longer period than the recommended time.

If you're currently using Mirapex, do not use extended-release Mirapex for erectile dysfunction at the same time.

The dosage and time frame of Mirapex to treat Parkinson's disease differ from the dosage and timing for the treatment of RLS. Be sure to follow the instructions on the prescription label. Consult your pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding the type of tablet you get from the pharmacy.

Mirapex can be consumed in combination with or without meals. Consume the medicine by mouth if you experience stomach upset.

Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the extended-release Mirapex tablet. Suck it up entirely.

If you're taking this medicine for RLS, Inform your doctor when your symptoms become more severe, if they begin to manifest early in the morning or earlier than normal at night, or if you notice uncomfortable symptoms that are not your own within your arms or hands.

Don't stop taking this medication abruptly; otherwise, you might experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to follow your physician's advice on the process of tapering off your dosage.

Maintain at room temperature and free of heat, moisture, and sunlight.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

Pramipexole immediate-release
The first dose is 0.125 mg, taken three times daily in combination with or without food.
Dosage for maintenance: The dose is to be gradually increased until it reaches the desired therapeutic result. In general, dosages can increase every 5-7 days, depending on effectiveness and tolerance, to the maximum dosage of 4.5 mg/day (given in the form of 1.5 mg 3 times per day). The effectiveness of doses higher than 4.5 mg/day isn't confirmed.

Pramipexole extended-release
Initial dosage: 0.375 mg once a day in combination with or without food.
Dosage for maintenance: The dose is to be gradually increased until the desired effect is achieved. The dosage should generally increase every five to seven days, based on effectiveness and tolerability. The dose should be increased initially to 0.75 mg/day before increasing with 0.75 mg increments, up to the maximum dose recommended of 4.5 mg/day. The effectiveness of doses higher than 4.5 mg/day hasn't been confirmed.

Usual Adult Dose for Restless Legs Syndrome:

Pramipexole immediate-release
Start dose: 0.125 mg once per day for between 2 and 3 hours prior to bedtime. If required, dosage can be adjusted upwards in small increments of 0.125 mg each between 4 and 7 days.
Maintaining dose: 0.5 mg orally once every day, between 2 and 3 hours prior to going to bed.

Pramipexole extended-release therapy is not recommended to treat Restless Leg Syndrome.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do the missed dose when you can remember. Avoid the dose you missed if it's almost time to take the next dose. Don't take any extra medication in order to replace the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects may occur if alcohol is used in combination with Mirapex.

Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities before you understand the effects of this medication on your body. The way you react could be affected. Do not get up too quickly from lying or sitting in a position. You could get uneasy.

Side effects of Mirapex

See a doctor immediately. If you notice any symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,.

A few people who are taking Mirapex are prone to falling asleep while doing everyday activities, such as doing work, speaking, eating, or driving. Inform your physician if you suffer from any symptoms of daytime sleepiness.

Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Feeling lightheaded, similar to that you're about to faint;
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing sounds that aren't real);
  • Extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
  • Tremors, uncontrollable, or unstable muscles;
  • Unexplained muscle tenderness, muscle pain, or weakness
  • Issues with vision;
  • The way you stand can be difficult to control, for example, by uncontrollably bending forward from your neck, bending to the side at your waist, or tilting to the side when you stand, sit, or walk.

Confusion or hallucinations could be more common in people who are older.

There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, an unusual desire to gamble, or any other strong urges during your use of this medication. Consult your physician when this happens.

Common Mirapex adverse effects could be:

  • Muscle spasm or weakness;
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness;
  • Memory problems, confusion;
  • Dry mouth;
  • Nausea, constipation;
  • More frequent urination
  • Insomnia (insomnia), sleep problems, strange sleep patterns, unusual dreams.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the adverse consequences. It is possible to report any side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Utilizing Mirapex together with other medicines that make you sleepy may cause more of the same. Consult your physician before taking any opioid medications, sleep medication, relaxation medication, or medicine for seizures or anxiety.

Discuss with your physician the medicines you are currently taking, including any that you decide to start or stop taking, particularly:

  • Cimetidine;
  • Metoclopramide;
  • Medicines for treating mental illnesses, such as chlorpromazine dropseridol, fluphenazine perphenazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, and others.

The list below isn't complete. Certain other drugs can interfere with pramipexole. These include medicines that are prescribed or over-the-counter, such as vitamins and natural products. Some interactions with drugs may not be listed. are included in this list.