Apomorphine (Apomorphine)
Overview of Apomorphine
Apomorphine is a morphine derivative and a potent dopamine D2 receptor agonist. Apomorphine is used parenterally for the treatment of parkinsonism, especially in advanced disease, for patients experiencing unpredictable "off " periods with levodopa treatment. It stimulates chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain and can produce vomiting within a few minutes after administration. Specialist supervision is advisable throughout it treatment. Apomorphine is also used in the management of eractile dysfunction.
Indication of Apomorphine
Apomorphine is primarily indicated in conditions like Erectile dysfunction, Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, Refractory motor fluctuations in parkinson`s disease.
Contraindication of Apomorphine
Apomorphine is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory disease,Opioid dependence,Cardiac disease.
Side Effects of Apomorphine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Apomorphine, which give rise to further complications include Delayed psychosis.,Apomorphine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Uremia, Asystole. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Apomorphine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Apomorphine include Postural hypotension, Peripheral vasodilation, Protracted vomiting, Acute psychosis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Apomorphine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Hallucination, Edema, Reaction at injection site.
Precautions of Apomorphine
It should be used with caution in patient prone to vomiting and nausea or when vomiting is likely to pose a risk, use with care in patient with pulmonary, cardiovascular, endocrine disease or with renal impairment. Extra care is needed during initiation of treatment in elderly or debilitated patient and in those with a history of postural hypotension. Periodic monitoring of renal, hepatic, hemopoietic and cardiovascular function has been advised. Patient who develope anemia or those who have continuing confusion or hallucination during treatment require observation and dosage adjustment under specialist superviision, treatment may need to be discontinue.