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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

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

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database