Apomorphine
Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist primarily used to treat advanced Parkinson's disease, specifically for managing sudden 'off' episodes where motor symptoms return despite other medications. It provides rapid relief when given as a subcutaneous injection, making it useful when oral medications alone are insufficient.
Apomorphine is a fast-acting dopamine agonist injection for treating Parkinson's disease 'off' episodes.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N04BC07
- RxNorm
- 17767
- Generic
- Apomorphine
- Class
- atc-g04
- Brands
- Kynmobi, Onapgo, Apokyn
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0.7
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 1
- Routes
- sublingual, subcutaneous, intramuscular
- Forms
- sublingual film, injection solution, infusion solution
- Regions
- United States, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- orthostatic blood pressure, QT interval, nausea and vomiting, daytime somnolence, impulse control
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg to 10mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- up to 5 times daily (for 'off' episodes)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg to 8mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- up to 5 times daily (use with caution)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
do not breastfeed during apomorphine treatment; discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to side effects; monitor for orthostatic hypotension and sedation
regular monitoring of blood pressure, cardiac function, and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot applicable
not recommended for use in pediatric populations; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with caution; dose reduction recommended; monitor renal function
monitor renal function and adjust dose based on response and tolerability
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established; monitor hepatic function
monitor liver function tests and for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
First FDA approval
Apokyn injection approved for Parkinson's disease
Drug class
Non-selective dopamine receptor agonist
Primary indication
Acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility
Route of administration
Kynmobi (sublingual), Apokyn (injection)
Apomorphine is used to treat hypomobility ('off') episodes in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who are already receiving levodopa and other dopaminergic medications. It may also be used diagnostically to assess dopamine responsiveness in movement disorders.
As a non-ergot dopamine agonist, apomorphine stimulates D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the brain, compensating for reduced dopamine levels in Parkinson's disease and restoring motor function during 'off' periods.
Apomorphine causes significant nausea, so antiemetics (typically domperidone) are co-prescribed. It requires careful dose titration and monitoring. Subcutaneous administration via injection or pump is used. It should not be given intravenously. Patients should be counseled on injection technique, potential orthostatic hypotension, and rare impulse control issues.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy