Introduction

Name

• Apomorphine.

Class of drug

• Dopaminergic drug.

Description

Chemical name

• (6aR)-6-methyl-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline-10,11-diol.

Molecular formula

• C17 H17 NO2

Molecular weight

• 267.322

Storage requirements

• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Induction of emesis in dogs.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• Antidopaminergic drugs such as phenothiazines may negate the emetic effects of apomorphine.
• The administration or the prior ingestion of opiates or barbiturates can induce additive CNS effects and respiratory depression with apomorphine.
• Caution is advised when dogs are receiving other dopamine agonists such as cabergoline Cabergoline due to possible additive effects such as exacerbation or inhibition of vomiting.
• The substance ingested may affect efficacy of apomorphine. One study found that slug bait and some other ingestants not specified in the report reduced the effectiveness of apomorphine (Coteet al, 2008).

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Campbell O, de Lorimier L P, Mealey K (2017) Adverse reaction to apomorphine in a Collie homozygous for the ABCB1-1∆ (MDR1) mutation. JSAP 58 (2), 119 PubMed.
• Yam E, Hosgood G, Smart L (2016) Comparison of the use of sodium carbonate (washing soda cyrstals) and apomorphine for inducing emesis in dogs. Aust Vet J 94 (12), 474-477 PubMed.
• Khan S A, Mclean M K, Slater M et al (2012) Effectiveness and adverse effects of the use of apomorphine and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to induce emesis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 241 (9), 1179-1184 PubMed.
• Cote D D, Collins D M, Burczynski F J (2008) Safety and efficacy of an ocular insert for apomorphine-induced emesis in dogs. Am J Vet Res 69 (10), 1360-1365 PubMed.
• Montastruc J L, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Llau M E et al (1994) Naloxone does not prevent apomorphine-induced emesis or hypotension in dogs. Clin Auton Res 4 (6), 303-305 PubMed.
• Scherkl R, Hashem A, Frey H H (1990) Apomorphine-induced emesis in the dog - routes of administration, efficacy and synergism by naloxone. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 13 (2), 154-158 PubMed.
• Keith J C Jr., Wilson R C, Booth N H et al (1981) Failure of naloxone to prevent the emetic activity of apomorphine in dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 4 (4), 315-316 PubMed.
• Campbell A, Kula N S, Jeppsson B et al (1980) Oral bioavailability of apomorphine in the rat with a portacaval venous anastomosis. Eur J Pharmacol 67 (1), 139-142 PubMed.
• Harrison W A, Lipe W A, Decker W J (1972) Apomorphine-induced emesis in the dog: comparison of routes of administration. J Am Vet Med Assoc 160 (1), 85-86 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Plumb D (2015) Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 8th edition. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing.
• BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 9th edn. Ramsey I (ed).
• TVM Laboratoire (2015) Summary of Product Characteristics: Emedog 1 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs. Available at: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/Default.aspx (accessed 13 Dec 2017).

Organisation(s)

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control; (888) 426-4435.
• Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS); +44(0)2073 055 055; www.vpisglobal.com.