Ropinirole

Ropinirole In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Dopamine agonist.
• Induces emesis by activating D2-like receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Uses of Ropinirole

• Induction of vomiting.
• Most dogs respond to a single dose.
• In healthy dogs, the time to first vomit was 3–37 minutes (median 10 minutes).
• The median duration of vomiting was 16 minutes.
• Some dogs will require a second dose.
• A very small proportion of dogs may fail to respond to the second dose.
• It is not recommended to administer further doses to these dogs.

Dose of Ropinirole in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

Induction of vomiting:

• 2–15 μl (microlitres)/kg in dogs, i.e. 1–8 drops given into the eye.
• Each eye drop is 27 μl and contains 810 μg (micrograms) of ropinirole.
• Dogs weighing 1.8–5 kg: 1 drop; 5.1–10 kg: 2 drops; 10.1–20 kg: 3 drops; 20.1–35 kg: 4 drops; 35.1–60 kg: 6 drops; 60.1–100 kg: 8 drops.
• When 2 to 4 drops are to be administered, divide between both eyes.
• When 6 to 8 drops are to be administered, the dose should be divided into two
  administrations given 1–2 minutes apart.
• If the dog does not vomit within 15 minutes, a second dose may be given.
• The second dose should be the same as the initial dose.

Cats:

• No information is available.

Side Effects of Ropinirole in Dogs and Cats

• Mild ocular irritation is common.
• May cause a transient increase in heart rate for up to 2 hours.
• May cause extended vomiting (>60 minutes).
• Administer antiemetic treatment if vomiting persists – metoclopramide is recommended.

Contraindications of Ropinirole in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid using in dogs with CNS depression, seizures, reduced gag reflex, hypoxia, or dyspnea.
• Do not use for ingestion of sharp objects, corrosives, volatile substances, or organic solvents.
• Not studied for safety in dogs with cardiac disease, liver dysfunction, or clinical signs from foreign material ingestion.
• Not studied for safety and efficacy in dogs with ocular disease.
• Not recommended for pregnant or lactating female dogs.

Some Notes:

• Dopamine antagonists (such as metoclopramide), chlorpromazine, acepromazine and other drugs with antiemetic properties (e.g. maropitant or antihistamines) may
  reduce effectiveness.