โ ๏ธ Missed doses of Parkinsonโs medications can: Impair swallow โ aspiration risk, Cause immobility โ falls, fractures, Trigger a Neuroleptic Malignant-Like Syndrome (rigidity, fever, delirium) โ coma & death
๐ป Dose conversion tools:
pdmedcalc.co.uk
|
parkinsonscalculator.com
๐ About Rotigotine
- BNF entry here โ always check for latest prescribing advice.
- Rotigotine = dopamine agonist delivered via 24-hour transdermal patch.
- Useful when patients cannot take enteral PD meds (e.g. NBM, NG/PEG not possible).
๐งช Mode of Action
- Dopamine agonist at D1, D2, D3 receptors โ continuous dopaminergic stimulation.
๐ท Cost (2025 BNF)
- Neuproยฎ 8 mg patch โ ยฃ150 for 28 days.
๐ Indications & Dosing
- Use when oral/NG/NJ/PEG PD meds cannot be given.
- Start dose: 2 mg/24 h.
- Usual dose range: 4โ8 mg/24 h.
- Max dose: 16 mg/24 h.
- Patches must not be cut โ๏ธโ โ but โฅ2 patches can be applied simultaneously.
๐ Dose Summary
| Name | Starting Dose | Typical Dose | Max Dose | Route |
| Rotigotine patch |
2 mg/24 h |
4โ6 mg/24 h |
16 mg/24 h |
Transdermal patch (OD) |
โ ๏ธ Practical Cautions
- If using >8 mg/24 h, start 2 mg lower than calculated and review daily.
- If patient remains stiff/drowsy โ titrate โ by 2 mg cautiously.
- Check skin integrity at patch site (rotate placement).
๐ซ Contraindications
๐ Interactions
- Check BNF โ esp. additive CNS depression & antihypertensives.
๐ฅ Side Effects
- Impulse control disorders: gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping โ often under-reported, so ask directly.
- Nausea/vomiting: prescribe domperidone 10 mg TDS (avoid metoclopramide/prochlorperazine).
- Sedation: often transient; caution with driving.
- Confusion/hallucinations: especially in elderly/frail patients.
๐ References