Details

Apomorphine has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine is used to treat "wearing-off" episodes (muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control) in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. Before using apomorphine, tell your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), a slow heart rate, low blood pressure or dizzy spells, history of stroke or heart attack, asthma, sulphite allergy, liver or kidney disease.

Typical Uses

Apomorphine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move during frequent "off" periods. It can decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. This medication is thought to work by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain. Apomorphine is used to treat "off" episodes when they occur. It is not used to prevent these episodes. This drug should not be used instead of your usual medications for Parkinson's disease.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have certain side effects of apomorphine such as nausea or vomiting that continues after taking an anti-nausea medication feeling like you might pass out dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat, feeling short of breath depression, confusion, hallucinations, unusual or inappropriate behaviour chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop) severe headache worsening of your Parkinson's symptoms twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs or penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Drug Interactions

• Apomorphine+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with apomorphine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgement, and motor coordination.

• Apomorphine+alosetron- Using alosetron and apomorphine is not recommended. Taking these drugs together can cause symptoms of feeling light-headed, loss of consciousness, chest pain or heavy feeling, or tremors.

• Apomorphine+bepridil- Using bepridil together with apomorphine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Apomorphine+ceritinib- Using ceritinib together with apomorphine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect.

• Apomorphine+escitalopram- Using escitalopram together with apomorphine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect.

• Apomorphine+fingolimod- Before starting fingolimod, let your doctor know if you are currently receiving treatment with apomorphine. Using fingolimod in this situation can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect.

• Apomorphine+halofantrine- Using halofantrine together with apomorphine i

Mechanism of action

Apomorphine is a non-selective dopamine agonist, prescribed for acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility and loss of control of body movements such as muscle stiffness, slow movements, or trouble moving associated with advanced Parkinson's disease. In some cases this medication is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The medication activates the dopamine receptors in the brain.

Pregnancy Category : C