Apomorphine
Dopaminergic emetic used to induce vomiting in appropriately selected dogs. Feline historical regimens are retained for reference only because apomorphine is not recommended as a feline emetic.
Group
Dopaminergic emetic
Mechanism of Action
Stimulates dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone; oral first-pass metabolism limits ordinary oral administration.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction of emesis | 0.03–0.05 mg/kg | IM | Once | One administration only; less effective in cats. |
| Induction of emesis | 0.1 mg/kg | SC | Once | One administration only; less effective in cats. |
| Induction of emesis – conjunctival administration | Reference only | TOPICAL | Once | Conjunctival sac only. Dissolve a 6 mg tablet in 1–2 mL saline and rinse away after emesis; ocular route is not represented in the calculator. |
| Induction of emesis | 0.03 mg/kg | IV | Once | One administration; use an IV-compatible sterile formulation. |
| Induction of emesis – IV alternative | 0.04 mg/kg | IV | Once | One administration; use an IV-compatible sterile formulation. |
| Induction of emesis – IM alternative | 0.08 mg/kg | IM | Once | |
| Induction of emesis – SC alternative | 0.08 mg/kg | SC | Once |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction of emesis | 0.03–0.05 mg/kg | IM | Once | Historical feline alternative; apomorphine is not recommended for induction of emesis in cats. One administration only; less effective in cats. |
| Induction of emesis | 0.1 mg/kg | SC | Once | Historical feline alternative; apomorphine is not recommended for induction of emesis in cats. One administration only; less effective in cats. |
| Induction of emesis – conjunctival administration | Reference only | TOPICAL | Once | Historical feline alternative; apomorphine is not recommended for induction of emesis in cats. Conjunctival sac only. Dissolve a 6 mg tablet in 1–2 mL saline and rinse away after emesis; ocular route is not represented in the calculator. |
| Induction of emesis – historical IV alternative | 0.04 mg/kg | IV | Once | Historical feline alternative; apomorphine is not recommended for induction of emesis in cats. Feline use is controversial, less reliable and potentially less safe; a feline-appropriate emetic is generally preferred. |
| Induction of emesis – historical alternative | 0.08 mg/kg | IM, SC | Once | Historical feline alternative; apomorphine is not recommended for induction of emesis in cats. Feline use is controversial; a feline-appropriate emetic is generally preferred. |
Indications
- Induction of emesis after selected toxicant ingestion.
Contraindications
- Do not induce emesis with absent protective airway reflexes, severe CNS depression, seizures, hypoxia, dyspnea, shock or extreme weakness.
- Avoid after caustic ingestion, repeated prior vomiting or ingestion of CNS depressants; petroleum distillates create major aspiration risk.
- Do not use to induce vomiting in rabbits or rodents.
- Morphine hypersensitivity. Feline use is less effective and controversial.
- Do not use apomorphine as a routine feline emetic; select a feline-appropriate alternative.
Interactions
- Acepromazine, atropine and other antiemetics can diminish emesis.
- Other CNS/respiratory depressants can add to depression.
- Avoid concomitant ondansetron because severe hypotension has been reported in people.
Adverse effects
- Sedation may mask poisoning signs.
- Ocular irritation from acidic solution.
- High doses can cause excitement.
Toxicity
Overdose may cause prolonged vomiting, excitation, seizures, CNS depression or cardiorespiratory depression. Naloxone may reverse CNS and respiratory effects but does not reliably stop vomiting. Rinse conjunctival drug away when applicable.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apomorphine hydrochloride 10 mg/mL injection The emesis regimens here do not support IV administration. | Injection | 10 mg / mL | IM, SC |
Monitoring and Administration
Limit to one administration. Vomiting generally occurs within 3–10 minutes in dogs; continue monitoring the original toxicant because emesis removes less than half the ingested quantity.
For conjunctival administration, dissolve a 6 mg tablet in 1–2 mL 0.9% saline, place in the conjunctival sac, then rinse residual drug away after vomiting. This is ocular mucosal administration, not oral dosing of the tablet.
Protect solutions from air and light; green discoloration indicates decomposition. A particular 3 mg/mL compounded solution had 6-month room-temperature stability.
Canine IV emesis protocols are supported; use only a sterile formulation suitable for that route, not a tablet dispersion or an SC-only human device. Monitor respiratory, cardiovascular and CNS status. Vomiting does not remove all toxicant and does not end poisoning treatment.
An ocular alternative is 0.25 mg/kg in the conjunctival sac, with prompt rinsing after sufficient emesis; do not confuse ocular administration with oral swallowing. Do not use discolored or precipitated solutions. Tablet-derived sterile filtrates have a separate 2-day refrigerated, light-protected period; their preparation requires aseptic pharmacy procedures.