The medical world is constantly evolving; hence, generic medicines have become mandatory to make important treatment processes reasonably priced and accessible. Pramipexole is regarded as a generic Mirapex that is useful to treat RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) and Parkinson’s disease.
Pramipexole is found in extended-release and immediate-release oral tablets. You will get these oral tablets under the brand names Mirapex ER and Mirapex. This medication is also obtainable in the form of a generic drug. Commonly, generic drugs cost less compared to the brand-name versions. However, in a few cases, they aren’t found in all forms or strengths similar to brand-name drugs.
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The way Pramipexole works
Pramipexole is a part of drugs known as dopamine agonists, and most often, these drugs are utilized to cure similar conditions. This medication does its job by activating some receptors present in people’s brains and works to lessen the seriousness of RLS and Parkinson’s disease.
How should you take Pramipexole?
The dosage of Pramipexole is dependent on several factors:
- The seriousness of a patient’s condition.
- The age of the patient.
- The condition that needs to be treated.
- How would the patient react to the initial dosage.
- Other medical conditions the patient is suffering from.
The interactions of Pramipexole
Pramipexole might interact with the following:
- Antihistamines for colds, cough, and allergy.
- Alcohol.
- Some medications that a patient might be taking for psychotic disturbances, anxiety, or depression.
- Medications for sleep.
- Some medications for seizures, such as primidone and phenobarbital.
- Metoclopramide.
- Medications that seem effective to relax muscles for surgery.
- Medications a patient takes for blood pressure.
- Some general anesthetics, such as isoflurane, propofol, methoxyflurane, and halothane.
- Narcotic medications for pain.
The above-mentioned list does not comprise every possible interaction. Hence, before you begin to take Pramipexole, you need to provide information about all the non-prescription drugs, herbs, dietary supplements, and medications you take to your healthcare provider. Additionally, you need to disclose whether or not you use some kind of unlawful drug or are a smoker or an alcoholic. It is important as some of these items might interact with Pramipexole.
Dosage instructions
Before you begin to take Pramipexole, you need to consider several factors. If you suffer from any kidney disease or if you have been taking extended-release or immediate-released pramipexole tablets for Parkinson’s disease, your physician will lessen the dosage of this medication. Now, if you are suffering from moderate or serious kidney disease and have been taking immediate-release oral tablets of Pramipexole for RLS, then your physician would augment your dosage after fourteen days only. When patients do not continue to take this medication for a longer period and are required to take it again, they start with a low dosage and slowly increase it with time.
Important warnings and precautions
The dosage of Pramipexole differs based on the particulars of a patient and his ailment. When a patient suffers from Parkinson’s disease, then he will begin with a low dosage that would be gradually increased. To treat RLS, patients should take Pramipexole once daily. Nonetheless, in no condition should patients forget to reach out to a healthcare professional to find out the correct dosage.
Every patient ought to be cautious as Pramipexole can encourage drowsiness, and it habitually results in unexpected sleep episodes. At times, patients also doze off when they drive. Users must avert machinery if the impacts of this medication are active. A few patients also report hallucinations. If a patient stops taking this drug immediately, he might suffer from some withdrawal symptoms. Older patients should not sit or stand up quickly as it would lessen the danger of fainting spells. Patients should be aware that Pramipexole might interfere with alcohol, so they must avoid alcoholic drinks.
At times, people suffer from dry mouth, and in this condition, they can chew sugarless gum. Additionally, they can also drink lots of water as it would help them get rid of dry mouth. However, if patients feel this problem to be serious, they should get in touch with their healthcare provider.
What if you miss a dosage?
If you miss a dosage, you need to take it immediately, as you remember. Now, if you remember to take it some hours before your subsequent dosage, take one dose only. You shouldn’t ever take up two dosages simultaneously, or else you might suffer from some serious side effects. Patients can understand the workings of this medication if they find that their signs of RLS and Parkinson’s disease are improving.
The ideal place to keep Pramipexole
You should be cautious about keeping Pramipexole. If you have children or pets in your home, you should keep this medication out of their reach. It is vital to store it at room temperature, which is between twenty and twenty-five degrees. Additionally, Pramipexole should not get direct sunlight. If you find that your medication has crossed the expiration date, you must not take it anymore. In this case, it would be feasible to flush it down the toilet or throw it in the garbage.
