apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Dopamine agonist
Usual role
Reduces Parkinson’s “off” periods inadequately controlled by oral treatment
Administration
Given under the skin using a product-specific pen or infusion system; never inject into a vein
Specialist initiation
Started and assessed in a specialist clinical setting
What is apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate used for?
Selected products are licensed for adults with Parkinson’s disease whose motor fluctuations are not adequately controlled by oral anti-Parkinson treatment.
Intermittent subcutaneous injection for recognised “off” episodes.
Continuous subcutaneous infusion for persistent or frequent motor fluctuations.
How does apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate work?
Apomorphine directly stimulates dopamine receptors, including D1- and D2-type receptors. This can improve Parkinsonian motor disability during an “off” state.
apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 5 mg/mL
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate
Use only after specialist assessment and training. Follow instructions for the exact cartridge, pen or pump supplied; delivery systems are not interchangeable without supervised retraining.
Inject or infuse only into subcutaneous tissue; never use intravenously.
Rotate administration sites to reduce lumps, soreness and hardening.
Do not use solution that is green, cloudy or contains particles.
Use a new needle for each intermittent injection and dispose of used equipment in the recommended sharps container.
apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Lumps, redness, tenderness, itching, bruising or pain at administration sites
- Hallucinations or mild confusion
- Sleepiness, sedation, dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yawning
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or bronchospasm
- Fainting, palpitations or near-fainting
- Sudden sleep episodes
- New compulsive gambling, spending, eating or sexual behaviour, or craving excessive Parkinson’s medication
- Severe or worsening hallucinations, agitation or aggression
- Skin ulceration or tissue damage at an administration site
apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate in pregnancy
Experience in pregnancy is very limited and the potential human risk is unknown. Selected products should be used during pregnancy only when a specialist considers them clearly necessary.
apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether apomorphine passes into breast milk. A specialist should weigh the benefit of breastfeeding against the benefit of treatment before deciding whether breastfeeding or apomorphine should continue.
apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with the specialist or pharmacist.
Ondansetron and other 5-HT3 antagonists
Severe hypotension and loss of consciousness have been reported. APO-go POD contraindicates this class, while the selected Dacepton product specifically contraindicates ondansetron.
Domperidone
May control apomorphine-related nausea, but combined treatment requires assessment and monitoring for QT prolongation and serious arrhythmia risk.
Common questions about apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate related to morphine?
No. It does not contain morphine and is not an opioid. It can, however, cause compulsive behaviour or excessive medicine use in some people.
Can it be injected into a vein?
No. Selected products are for subcutaneous administration and must not be used intravenously.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.