Mirapex ER and/or Equivalents

Mirapex ER

Mirapex ER Drug Description

The pharmaceutical or medicinal drug ‘Pramipexole’ is sold commercially as Mirapex or Mirapex ER and both the formulations are used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is a prescription medicine that boosts or stimulates the action of dopamine receptors in the brain. Medicines labelled ‘Mirapex’ is the standard composition whereas the Mirapex ER (extended release) has the same formulation but with a higher potency. If you are prescribed the ER version by your medic, you’ll be required to take it less often. Mirapex and Mirapex ER should not be taken simultaneously. Mirapex is chemically known as ‘Pramipexole Dihydrochloride’ and it is a whitish or off whitish powdery substance. The substance is soluble in water, methanol, and ethanol in varying degrees but not soluble in dichloromethane. Mirapex ER is an oral medication and the main ingredient is ‘pramipexole dihydrochloride monohydrate’ which is present in varying dosages (0.375 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 2.25 mg and so on). The other ingredients are corn starch, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, hypromellose, and carbomer homopolymer. The drug is manufactured and supplied by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and has been endorsed by the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration).

Conditions treated by Mirapex ER

Mirapex ER can be taken separately or along with other medicines essentially for the condition of Parkinson’s disease. It has also been found to be effective for treating patients with RLS, both for the idiopathic (unknown cause) variety and the secondary condition where causes are tangible like diabetes, anaemia, pregnancy and so on. Mirapex can help in improving your motor reflexes and offset the total count of ‘episodes’ or ‘events’ by boosting the activity of dopamine reactors.

Mirapex ER Dosage Information

a) Typical dosage recommendations

Only one Mirapex ER tablet should be taken orally daily. Although you can take it before a meal it is recommended to take it along with your meals to avoid nausea. These tablets should be imbibed with water and not to be chewed. The initial dosage is 0.375mg and depending on your tolerance level the dose can be stepped up in an integrated manner. You should continue on the prescribed dosage for at least 7 days before graduating to a higher dose. Increments should not be more than 0.75 mg when switching to a higher dose, for instance if you’re taking 0.75mg tablets then you’ll switch to 1.50 mg and not 2.25 mg.

b) Missing a dose

Do not increase your dose or discontinue taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Follow the dosage instructions as labelled on the bottle and read the information brochure thoroughly. Your doctor will check on your medical condition and tolerance level before prescribing the right dosage for you. If for any reason, you have stopped taking your Mirapex ER tablets you’ll need to contact your medic who’ll prepare a course that’ll help you to taper off the side effects associated with discontinuity. Such a course should also help you to get your original dosage back on track. Although sudden discontinuation may not lead to serious reactions like muscle stiffness and spasms, and fever you should not delay in reporting to the doctor if you’ve any such reaction. Lessen the dosage steadily and not abruptly if the doctor recommends you to stop taking Mirapex ER.

c) Overdosing

Clinical and laboratory tests and trials have not revealed any significant adverse effects related with overdosing. Overdose might aggravate the pulse rate but blood pressure remains more or less stable. If you have an overdose, report it to your doctor as soon as possible since there is no prescribed antidote. If your doctor finds any noteworthy symptoms of CNS (central nervous system) hyperactivity, he may prescribe a phenothiazine or any other narcoleptic agent. Over-dosage can also be regulated via electrocardiograms, administration of intravenous fluids, and gastric lavage i.e. washing out the abdomen with brine.

Mirapex ER Warnings

Patients undergoing treatment for Parkinson’s disease with Mirapex ER have reported somnolence while performing routine tasks like driving, engaging in conversations, and taking meals. Your doctor should be able to evaluate you persistently for somnolence or drowsiness as this particular episode manifests long after treatment has started. You should also bring it to the notice of your doctor if you experience sleepiness. Patients also experience orthostatic hypotension that interferes with the normal blood pressure level when the dosage is increased. Your doctor should tell you about this risk factor before prescribing your stipulated dose. Case studies and clinical trials also point a heightening of obsessive or compulsive traits or behaviours like increased urge to indulge in gambling, sex, and binge eating. Although prevalence of these symptoms is not overwhelming, your doctor will either reduce your dose or instruct you to discontinue its use if you are plagued by these urges. One might also have visual or aural hallucinations once you start taking Mirapex ER and the preponderance increases with age. Patients aged 65 years and above are more likely to report hallucinations compared to those less than 65 years old. Patients who have been diagnosed with Dyskinesia and taking Levodopa medication are advised against taking Mirapex ER that might aggravate the condition. If your renal physiology is perfect, then there is no need to bring down your daily dosage. You can continue your usage even if there is a mild renal impediment. But you’d need to seek the advice of your doctor if impairment is severe. You should also contact a physician if you suffer from symptoms associated with rhabdomyolysis like muscle pain or tenderness after the intake of Mirapex ER.

Mirapex ER Side effects

Though you may not experience most of the side effects usually related with the intake of Mirapex, you should contact your family physician should you be beset with any of the following symptoms:

• Fall in blood pressure while standing
• Nausea
• Erratic movements
• Dizziness or giddiness
• Swelling
• Aural or visual hallucinations
• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Sensory loss
• Appetite loss
• Confusion
• Vision changes
• Amnesia
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Dryness of mouth
• Impotency
• Polyuria
• Stiffness
• Walking difficulties
• Extremities pain
• Nasal blockage and congestion

Mirapex ER Drug Interactions

The potency or effectiveness of Mirapex ER on early PD (Parkinson’s disease) users may receive a setback if they’re using other medications for the same like phenothiazines, thioxanthenes or metoclopramide that intensify the release of dopamine. Inform your doctor about all medications you take.

If you have any questions about buying discount Mirapex ER online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Mirapex ER and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information