About apomorphine hydrochloride
Dopamine agonist
Used for
- Continuous infusion to reduce severe movement fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s disease when other treatments are inadequate.
Usual adult dose
Specialist-led continuous subcutaneous infusion, individually adjusted; commonly started at 1 mg/hour and titrated, usually up to 4 mg/hour.
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or fainting
- Injection-site nodules or skin reactions
- Hallucinations or confusion
Important warnings
- Requires specialist initiation and monitoring; doses must be adjusted gradually.
- Can cause low blood pressure, sudden sleep, hallucinations, or compulsive behaviour.
- Avoid in people with respiratory depression, dementia, psychotic disorders, or severe liver impairment.
- Use with domperidone only when prescribed; monitor for heart rhythm problems.
Pregnancy
Generally not recommended; use only if a specialist considers it essential, as pregnancy safety is not established.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended; it is unknown whether apomorphine passes into breast milk.
Interactions
- 5-HT3 anti-nausea medicines, such as ondansetron, may cause severe low blood pressure.
- Blood-pressure-lowering medicines can increase dizziness or fainting.
- Dopamine-blocking medicines, including some antipsychotics, may reduce its effect.
- QT-prolonging medicines can increase heart rhythm risks, especially with domperidone.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.