Apomorphine
Also known as: Apokyn, APO-go, Apofin, Apokinon, Apomine, Britaject, Ixense, Taluvian, Uprima, Apometic
Apomorphine is a rapid-acting medication used exclusively in a professionally supervised veterinary setting to induce vomiting after a pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance. * **What to expect:** Your dog will likely vomit within minutes of receiving the medication. * **Aftercare:** Once the stomach is emptied, your pet may experience some lingering nausea, sleepiness, or lethargy. * **Important:** Inducing vomiting is only the first step in treating a poisoning. Your veterinarian may recommend further treatments, such as activated charcoal or IV fluids, depending on what your pet ingested.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
- Induction of emesis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Protracted vomiting
- CNS depression (lethargy, sedation)
- CNS stimulation (excitement, restlessness)
- Respiratory depression
- Corneal ulcers (anecdotal, associated with conjunctival administration)
Cautions & contraindications
- Rodents and rabbits (unable to vomit or lack stomach wall strength)
- Hypoxia, dyspnea, or shock
- Lack of normal pharyngeal reflexes (risk of aspiration)
- Seizuring, comatose, or severely CNS-depressed patients
- Patients who have already vomited repeatedly
- Ingestion of strong acids, alkalis, or other caustic agents (risk of esophageal/gastric rupture)
- Ingestion of petroleum distillates (unless toxicity risk outweighs aspiration risk)
- Ingestion of strychnine or other CNS stimulants (may precipitate seizures)
- Oral opiate or other CNS depressant (e.g., barbiturates) toxicity
- Hypersensitivity to morphine
- If vomiting does not occur within the expected time after apomorphine administration, repeated doses are unlikely to induce emesis and may cause clinical signs of toxicity. Use with extreme caution, if at all, in cats. When using the conjunctival route, the eye must be thoroughly rinsed with sterile saline after emesis is achieved to prevent protracted vomiting and potential corneal irritation.
Drug interactions
- Antidopaminergic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines, metoclopramide): May negate the emetic effects of apomorphine by blocking dopamine receptors in the CRTZ.
- Ondansetron: May cause severe hypotension; concurrent use is contraindicated in humans.
- Opiates or CNS/Respiratory depressants (e.g., barbiturates): Additive CNS or respiratory depression may occur.
- Antidopaminergics (e.g., phenothiazines): May reduce the emetic effects of apomorphine
- Opiates and CNS depressants: Additive CNS or respiratory depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Apomorphine used for in pets?
Apomorphine is a rapid-acting medication used exclusively in a professionally supervised veterinary setting to induce vomiting after a pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance. * **What to expect:** Your dog will likely vomit within minutes of receiving the medication. * **Aftercare:** Once the stomach is emptied, your pet may experience some lingering nausea, sleepiness, or lethargy. * **Important:** Inducing vomiting is only the first step in treating a poisoning. Your veterinarian may recommend further treatments, such as activated charcoal or IV fluids, depending on what your pet ingested.
Is Apomorphine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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