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APOMORPHINE. 



APOMORPHINE. 



Apomorphine (Ci7Hi 7 NO 2 ==265.17) is a derivative of Morphine, obtained 

 through the removal of one molecule of water. 



Pharmacodynamics. 



Central Nervous System. Apomorphine in man seems to have a selective action 

 on the vomiting center of the medulla, which it stimulates directly in proportion to the 

 dose. 



Muscular System. The depression and physical weakness are apparently those 

 normally accompanying nausea and vomiting. 



Respiration is accelerated reflexly. 



Heart-rate is accelerated reflexly. 



Blood-pressure is depressed reflexly. 



Alimentary tract is said to be passive in the vomiting produced by the action of 

 Apomorphine. 



Secretory glands are stimulated, especially those of the nose, throat, and mouth, 

 the lachrymal glands and the sweat-glands. 



Metabolism. Indefinite. 



Temperature lowered through perspiration and reflex action on the heat center. 



Absorption is very rapid from the subcutaneous tissues. 



Excretion. Probably decomposed in the tissues. 



Tolerance. Seemingly not acquirable. 



Symptoms. 



Emetic Doses. 



Salivation. 



Copious lachrymation. 



Mucorrheas of nose, throat, and 



bronchi. 



Vomiting (often once only). 

 Accelerated pulse and respiration. 

 Muscular weakness. 

 Mental depression. 



Therapeutics. 



Very Small Doses. 



Heightened activity of the lach- 

 rymal, salivary, and sweat- 

 glands, and mucous glands 

 of nose and throat. 



Unduly Large Doses. 



Violent retching. 

 Repeated vomiting. 

 Great weakness. 

 Profound depression. 

 Collapse. 



Apomorphine may be used as a quick-acting centric emetic in case of poisoning 

 or other pressing emergency requiring prompt evacuation of the stomach contents. It 

 should not be given to children or to debilitated patients. 



Dosage. 



Expectorant, about 0.002 Gm. 

 Emetic, about 0.005 



