Aims Ropinirole is a specific non-ergoline dopamine D 2 -receptor agonist with antiparkinsonian properties.The pharmacokinetic parameters of ropinirole taken in the fasted condition were compared with those when it was co-administered with food. Methods This was an open, randomized, two sessions cross over study in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease, comparing the steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of ropinirole on two different study days: 'fasted' and 'fed'. Results The mean C max was lower in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' one (−25%, P=0.002). The median t max was observed 2.6 h later in the 'fed' regimen than in the 'fasted' regimen ( P<0.05). There was a slight but significant decrease in AUC(0,8 h) in the 'fed' regimen ( P=0.03). Conclusions Food decreases the rate of absorption of ropinirole, but has little effect on the extent of absorption.