The pharmacology and clinical pharmacokinetics of apomorphine SL

Apomorphine is a dopaminergic agonist with more potent D2-like than D1-like effects; it elicits an erectile response by its action on central dopamine receptors. Administration of apomorphine SL results in detectable apomorphine concentrations in plasma within 10 min, with peak concentrations being reached in 40-60 min. Because it is highly soluble in lipids, apomorphine crosses the blood-brain barrier with higher concentrations being achieved in brain than in blood. Apomorphine SL is mainly metabolized by conjugation with sulphate or glucuronic acid, with the former being the major route of metabolism. Elimination of conjugates is predominantly via the kidneys. Apomorphine SL provides a new treatment for erectile dysfunction with a pharmacology profile adapted to this condition.