apomorphine

Apomorphine is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist used primarily for the acute treatment of "off" episodes in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. It acts by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptor D2-like and to a lesser extent dopamine receptor D1-like receptors, thereby mimicking the effects of endogenous dopamine and improving motor function. Apomorphine also exhibits antagonist activity at certain serotonergic (serotonin receptor 5-HT2A/2B/2C) and adrenergic (adrenergic receptor alpha_2A/2B/2C) receptors and agonist activity at serotonin receptor 5-HT1A receptors. Unlike morphine, it does not bind to opioid receptors or possess opioid effects. The drug is available as subcutaneous injection (Apokyn), sublingual film (Kynmobi), and continuous infusion device (Onapgo). It was first synthesized in 1845 and has been FDA-approved for Parkinson’s disease since 2004[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

ApokynKynmobiOnapgoMovapo

Other names

sublingual apomorphineapomorphine sublingual film