Rotigotine transdermal patch in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome

Dopamine agonists are effective in delaying levodopa-induced dyskinesia in early Parkinson’s disease (PD) and reducing motor fluctuations in advanced PD. Rotigotine, a novel dopamine receptor agonist, improves motor function in both early and advanced PD using a transdermal route of administration. A smaller, but convincing body of data, supports its ability to ameliorate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome as well. The side-effect profile mimics other dopamine agonists, with the addition of application-site reactions, most of which are mild-to-moderate. Advantages over existing dopamine agonists include once-daily administration, absence of food interactions, maintenance of stable plasma levels and utility in patients with swallowing difficulties.