Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of ropinirole in parkinsonian patients

Abstract

Aims: Ropinirole is a specific non-ergoline depomine D2-receptor agonist with antiparkinsonian properties. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ropinirole taken in the fasted condition were compared with those when it was co-administered with food. Methods: This was an open, randomized, two sessions cross over study in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease, comparing the steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of ropinirole on two different study days: 'fasted' and 'fed'. Results: The mean C(max) was lower in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' one (- 25%, P = 0.002). The median t(max) was observed 2.6 h later in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' regimen (P < 0.05). There was a slight but significant decrease in AUC(0.8 h) in the 'fed' regimen (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Food decreases the rate of absorption of ropinirole, but has little effect on the extent of absorption.