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Apomorphine

Prescription
Dopamine agonist / Emetic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Stimulates dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the medulla, inducing rapid and reliable vomiting in dogs; less effective in cats due to species differences in CTZ receptors

At a glance

Class
Dopamine agonist / Emetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
2–8°C refrigerated, protect from light; degrades rapidly once reconstituted

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Induction of emesis after recent toxin ingestion
Dose
0.02–0.04 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, conjunctival (tablet placed in conjunctival sac)
Frequency
Single dose; may repeat once if no emesis within 15 min
Max dose
3 mg/dose; 6 mg/day
Duration: Single use for decontamination

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength
6mg/mL
💊

Tablet (for conjunctival use) — 1

Strength
6mg

Storage

2–8°C refrigerated, protect from light; degrades rapidly once reconstituted

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Caustic/corrosive ingestion
    Re-exposure of esophagus to caustic material
  • Sharp foreign body ingestion
    Risk of perforation
  • Obtunded or seizuring animal
    Aspiration risk
  • Use in cats
    Unreliable emesis; causes CNS excitation and aggression in cats

Use with caution

  • Brachycephalic breeds
    Higher aspiration risk

Adverse effects

Common
Protracted vomiting
Salivation
Mild CNS depression
Serious
Protracted emesis (reverse with naloxone)
Aspiration pneumonia
Respiratory depression

Monitoring parameters

Emesis response within 15 minRespiratory statusCNS depression

Interactions

Major — 1

Ondansetron
major
Ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonist with some D2 activity) antagonizes apomorphine's emetic effect. If antiemetic given before apomorphine, emesis may fail.
Management: Do NOT give antiemetics before apomorphine when emesis is indicated. If emesis needed after antiemetic administration, use different emetic method.

Moderate — 1

Maropitant
moderate
Maropitant (NK1 antagonist) may reduce but does not completely block apomorphine-induced emesis (apomorphine acts primarily on D2 receptors in CTZ, not NK1).
Management: Maropitant has less antagonism of apomorphine than antiemetics acting on D2 receptors. However, prior maropitant may still reduce emetic efficacy.

Brands

International

Apomorphine Injection
Various

Other markets

Apoquel (NOTE: different drug - oclacitinib)

India

Apomorphine HCl
Various compounding

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Apomorphine?
Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist / emetic used in pets. Stimulates dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the medulla, inducing rapid and reliable vomiting in dogs; less effective in cats due to species differences in CTZ receptors
›What is Apomorphine used for in pets?
Apomorphine is used in veterinary medicine for: Induction of emesis after recent toxin ingestion.
›What is the Apomorphine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Apomorphine is typically dosed as follows — Induction of emesis after recent toxin ingestion: 0.02–0.04 mg/kg IV/IM/conjunctival (tablet placed in conjunctival sac) Single dose; may repeat once if no emesis within 15 min. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Apomorphine?
Common: Protracted vomiting, Salivation, Mild CNS depression. Serious (call your vet immediately): Protracted emesis (reverse with naloxone), Aspiration pneumonia, Respiratory depression.
›Does Apomorphine need a prescription?
Yes. Apomorphine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Apomorphine not be used?
Do not use Apomorphine if: Caustic/corrosive ingestion; Sharp foreign body ingestion; Obtunded or seizuring animal; Use in cats.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →