Parixol 180 mcg

Parixol 180 mcg | INDICATIONS AND USES

Pramipexole is indicated for the treatment of-

Parkinson's disease used alone or as an adjunct to levodopa with dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor
Moderate to severe restless legs syndrome

Parixol 180 mcg | PHARMACOLOGY

The exact mechanism of action of pramipexole as a treatment for Parkinson's disease is unknown at this time. It is thought, however, that the ability of pramipexole to cause stimulation of the dopamine receptors in the striatum of the brain, a region that receives a vast array of neurological input and is responsible for a wide variety of functions, may be involved. Studies performed in animals show that pramipexole influences striatal neuronal transmission rates following activation of dopamine receptors. Pramipexole is considered a non-ergot dopamine agonist that shows specificity and strong activity at the D2 subfamily of dopamine receptors in vitro, binding selectively and dopamine D2 receptors and showing a preference for the dopamine D3 receptor subtype rather than other subtypes. The clinical significance of this binding specificity is unknown.

Parixol 180 mcg | DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

The recommended dose of Pramipexole is as follows-Parkinson's disease:

Initial dose: 88 micrograms 3 times daily, dose doubled every 5-7 days if tolerated to 350 micrograms 3 times daily; further increased if necessary by 180 micrograms 3 times daily at weekly intervals
Maximum dose: 3.3 mg daily in 3 divided doses. During pramipexole dose titration and maintenance Levodopa dose should be reduced.

Restless legs syndrome:

Initial dose: 88 micrograms once daily 2-3 hours before bedtime, dose doubled every 4-7 days if necessary to 350 micrograms daily.
Maximum dose: 540 micrograms daily.

Use in children: Pramipexole is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.

Parixol 180 mcg | DRUG INTERACTIONS

Pramipexole is the only dopamine agonist not appreciably metabolized by the P450 system which minimizes about possible drug-drug interactions. Cimetidine and amantadine may reduce the renal clearance of pramipexole. Sedating medicinal products or alcohol in combination with pramipexole may cause additive effects.

Parixol 180 mcg | SIDE EFFECTS

The common side effects are dizziness, dyskinesia, nausea, hypotension, abnormal dreams, confusion, constipation, delusion, hallucinations, headache, hyperkinesia, increased eating (binge eating, hyperphagia), insomnia, libido disorders, nausea, peripheral oedema, paranoia, pathological gambling, hypersexuality and other abnormal behaviour, somnolence, weight increase, sudden onset of sleep, pruritus and rash and other hypersensitivity.

Parixol 180 mcg | USE DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

The effect of pramipexole on pregnancy and lactation has not been investigated in humans so it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Pramipexole inhibits secretion of prolactin in humans. The excretion of pramipexole into breast milk has not been studied in women so it should not be used during breast-feeding. However, if its use is unavoidable then breast-feeding should be discontinued.

Parixol 180 mcg | PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Caution should be taken in patients with psychotic disorder, ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended at regular intervals, severe cardiovascular disease and renal impairment.

Parixol 180 mcg | THERAPEUTIC CLASS

Antiparkinson drugs

Parixol 180 mcg | STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light.