Pramipexole is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking.
Pramipexole cannot cure Parkinson's disease but it can improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.
Pramipexole may also be used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome.
Take Pramipexole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Pramipexole may be taken with or without food. If nausea occurs, Pramipexole may be taken with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the prolonged-release or extended-release type of tablet (may be labelled “ER”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Pramipexole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Pramipexole even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- a history of mental illness or mood disorders
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You may need to have your eyes checked regularly while you are undergoing treatment with Pramipexole. Your doctor will advise you if this is necessary and how often it should be done.
Pramipexole may cause tiredness and dizziness. Pramipexole may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Pramipexole may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, headache, blurred or double vision, swelling of the hands and feet and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are common especially when you have just started taking Pramipexole.
Let your doctor know if you experience:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- uncontrollable movements such as twitching or jerking
- breathing difficulties, persistent cough or chest pain
- stomach pain and tenderness
- muscle stiffness accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat mood disorders e.g. haloperidol, chlorpromazine
- gastric medicine e.g. cimetidine
- medicine for nausea or vomiting e.g. metoclopramide
- other medicine used for Parkinson's disease e.g. amantadine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pramipexole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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