Apomorphine
About Apomorphine
Apomorphine belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. It is used for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, and off-episodes associated with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder in which the first signs are problems with movements.
Apomorphine contains Apomorphine, which belongs to the class of non-ergoline dopamine agonists. It works by mimicking the action of dopamine (acting in place of dopamine), a natural substance found in the brain needed to control body movement.
Apomorphine may cause certain side effects such as sleepiness, yawning, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hallucinations, injection site reactions, and leg swelling. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. Apomorphine will be administered by a trained healthcare doctor.
Inform your doctor if you develop any allergic reactions after receiving Apomorphine. It is advised not to stop Apomorphine on your own. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always try to get up slowly from sitting or lying position as Apomorphine may cause orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing). Apomorphine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
Uses of Apomorphine
Medicinal Benefits
Apomorphine belongs to a group of dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson’s disease in adults. Apomorphine works by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the brain. This triggers the nerve impulses in the brain that control body movements. Dopamine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which is absent or reduced in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Apomorphine
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Muscle spasms
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectively, continue receiving Apomorphine for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Do not take Apomorphine if you are allergic to any of its contents. Talk to your doctor if you have any history of kidney/liver problems, hallucinations, dystonia (inability to keep the neck straight), depression, psychosis, vision impairment, and heart disease before receiving Apomorphine. Apomorphine may cause dyskinesia (abnormal limb movements), falling asleep frequently, prolonged QT intervals, hallucinations, syncope, haemolytic anaemia, impulsive behaviour, and coronary problems in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating or pain after dose reduction or stopping the medicine. Apomorphine may cause drowsiness and dizziness; do not drive unless you are alert. Apomorphine should not be given to children below 18 years. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Apomorphine as it may cause increased drowsiness and dizziness. Always try to get up slowly from sitting or lying position as Apomorphine causes orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Apomorphine may interact with dopamine antagonists (amisulpride, metoclopramide, haloperidol, droperidol), antihypertensive drugs (benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, diltiazem, hydralazine), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have disease conditions such as low blood pressure, psychosis, and liver/kidney disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Apomorphine as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionStudies on humans or animals have not determined whether apomorphine is safe to use while pregnant. It is, therefore, not appropriate for women who are pregnant or who are likely to become pregnant to use Apomorphine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe excretion of apomorphine in breast milk is unknown despite the lack of reported issues in humans. However, considering the advantages of both breastfeeding and medicine for the mother, a decision should be made regarding whether to stop breastfeeding or take the medication. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Apomorphine.
Driving
unsafeApomorphine may cause dizziness, sleepiness and hallucinations. Avoid driving and handling machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Apomorphine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Apomorphine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeApomorphine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Include a diet rich in iron, folate and magnesium.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Patients and their caretakers (midwife/nurse) should be alerted as Apomorphine may cause intense urges such as gambling, overeating and wasting money.
- Apomorphine should not be stopped suddenly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parkinson’s disease: It is a progressive neurological disorder which causes a problem with movements. Dopamine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which is reduced or absent in people with Parkinson’s disease. This causes difficulty during movements. Symptoms include decreased ability to smell, stooped posture, changes in voice, constipation, small/cramped handwriting, tremors, slow movements, stiffness of arms, legs, and trunk, and problems with balance.
FAQs
Apomorphine is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Apomorphine works by acting like dopamine and triggering the nerve impulses in the brain that control our body movements.
Apomorphine may cause peripheral oedema (swelling of the lower legs and hands due to fluid overload). So, avoid sitting or standing for too long.
