How pramipexole works
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a disorder of movement and a lack of movement. It is essentially based on the fact that certain regions of the brain that control these movements die off.
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, pramipexole mainly acts on the self-control circuit. By simulating a sufficient presence of dopamine, it prevents the remaining nerve cells from overexerting themselves and producing dopamine until exhaustion.
Studies show that pramipexole, like levodopa, which is also used in Parkinson’s disease, can also be used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Moreover, recent observations suggest a positive influence on depression and bipolar disorder.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
Pramipexole is not significantly broken down in the body. After eight to twelve hours, about half of the active ingredient is excreted unchanged in the urine by the kidneys.
When is pramipexole used?
Pramipexole is approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, both alone and in combination with levodopa. It can sometimes counteract or attenuate the fluctuations in effect (“on-off phenomenon”) typical of levodopa later in the course of treatment.
The application is continuous and longer-term. In the course of treatment, it is often necessary to increase the dose.
How pramipexole is used
The Parkinson’s drug pramipexole is taken in the form of tablets. The therapy is started gradually, i.e. with a low dosage, which is then slowly increased to the optimal dosage.
Tablets with a delayed release of the active ingredient (retard tablets) only need to be taken once a day. They release the active ingredient slowly throughout the day.
For the treatment of restless legs syndrome, a low dosage is taken once daily two to three hours before bedtime.
What are the side effects of pramipexole?
Therapy with pramipexole, like many other Parkinson’s therapies, also brings side effects.
Other possible side effects include impulse control disorders, obsessive-compulsive behavior, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, headache, vision problems, low blood pressure, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, water retention in the tissues (edema), weight loss, and decreased appetite.
What should be considered when taking pramipexole?
Contraindications
Pramipexole must not be used in:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance or any other component of the drug
Pramipexole hardly interacts with other active ingredients because it is not or hardly broken down by the body.
However, active ingredients that block excretion via the kidney can lead to increased blood levels of pramipexole. As a result, it may be necessary to reduce the dosage of the Parkinson’s drug.
Drugs for psychosis and schizophrenia should not be combined with pramipexole. The reason: they have an exactly opposite effect and thus worsen Parkinson’s disease.
Driving and operating heavy machinery
Sleep attacks may occur during therapy with pramipexole. Therefore, patients should not drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery during treatment.
Age Limitation
Elderly patients and patients with mild to moderate renal impairment may take pramipexole. In patients with severe renal dysfunction, the dosage must be reduced.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take pramipexole. The safety and effectiveness of the drug in these groups of people have not been adequately studied.
To receive medication with pramipexole
Since when is pramipexole known?
In Germany, pramipexole was first launched in 1997. Patent protection expired in 2009. As a result, numerous generics containing the active ingredient pramipexole came onto the market.