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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Induction of emesis after toxic ingestion — emetic of choice in dogs for many clinicians
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Induction of emesis after toxic ingestion — emetic of choice in dogs for many clinicians — Extra-label (human drug)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sometimes used, but less effective and possibly less safe — xylazine historically preferred
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sometimes used, but less effective and possibly less safe — xylazine historically preferred — Extra-label; controversial
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens4
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects115
Protracted vomiting — Principal effect at usual doses
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sedation at high doses (≥0.1 mg/kg) — Can mask signs of the ingested toxicant
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CNS/respiratory depression, excitement, seizures — Overdose
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Conjunctival irritation (pH 3–4), anecdotal corneal ulcers — Ocular route
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting54 reports
- Accidental exposure32 reports
- Overdose28 reports
- Seizure NOS14 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')13 reports
- Emesis12 reports
- Tremor9 reports
- Diarrhoea7 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS7 reports
- Ataxia6 reports
- Death6 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)6 reports
Cat
- Accidental exposure2 reports
- Anorexia2 reports
- Balance impaired1 reports
- Decreased appetite1 reports
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)1 reports
- Elevated total bilirubin1 reports
- Emesis1 reports
- Haematemesis1 reports
- Overdose1 reports
- Staggering1 reports
- Vomiting1 reports
Monitoring1
Emesis occurrence/time; mental status; vomitus content; signs of the ingested toxin (emesis removes only ~40–60% of gastric content)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications2
Rodents/rabbits (cannot vomit / weak stomach walls); coma, seizure, severe CNS depression, lacking pharyngeal reflexes, shock, dyspnea/hypoxia, extreme weakness
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Prior repeated vomiting; ingestion of caustics (acids/alkalis) or petroleum distillates (aspiration risk, unless toxin risk outweighs); strychnine/CNS-stimulant ingestion (may precipitate seizures); opiate/CNS-depressant ingestion; morphine hypersensitivity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions5
If the first dose fails, do not repeat — subsequent doses may be anti-emetic (vomiting-center depression) and toxic. Cats sensitive to opiates — use caution; xylazine is the more reliable feline emetic
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Naloxone reverses apomorphine's CNS and respiratory depression but NOT the vomiting. Atropine for severe bradycardia.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
In dogs, 3% hydrogen peroxide 2.2 mL/kg PO (max ~50 mL) is an equally effective, cheaper alternative when the patient is alert — apomorphine remains preferred when rapid/deeper induction is needed.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Always rinse the eye after conjunctival dosing to stop further absorption and prevent corneal irritation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
One-and-done: repeated dosing is ineffective and dangerous (see warning above).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions3
Phenothiazines (acepromazine), atropine, antiemetics — Block the emetic effect
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Ondansetron — Severe hypotension reported (human) — avoid concurrent use
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Opiates/other CNS depressants — Additive CNS/respiratory depression
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Oral absorption — Poor/unreliable (first-pass); not used orally
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Onset — IV: minutes; IM/SC: ≤10 min
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Distribution — Lipophilic, crosses blood–brain barrier
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Hepatic conjugation → urinary excretion
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Reproductive safety not established; weigh risk vs benefit in emergencies.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 107–109; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 48–49 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references20
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Quality of "on": a novel therapeutic objective in advanced Parkinson's disease.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Validation of a flow cytometric competitive efflux assay for assessing clinically important drugs as canine P-glycoprotein substrates.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- pH-Sensitive Dextrin-Based Nanosponges Crosslinked with Pyromellitic Dianhydride and Citric Acid: Swelling, Rheological Behavior, Mucoadhesion, and In Vitro Drug Release.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Inducing emesis in Australian dogs and cats: agents, adverse effects and antiemetic administration.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Evaluation of Ropinirole versus Apomorphine for Emesis Induction in Dogs.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.