Drug interactions
Apomorphine + Perphenazine
Severity: Major
Apomorphine and Perphenazine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Perphenazine blocks dopamine receptors and opposes the effect of apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, so Parkinson's symptoms may worsen. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval, and apomorphine can cause orthostatic hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apomorphine and Perphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Apomorphine belongs to Central Nervous System; Perphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at dopamine D2 receptors plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid antipsychotics with strong D2 blockade in patients on apomorphine; if an antipsychotic is needed, choose quetiapine or clozapine. Monitor ECG and blood pressure if both are used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Other interactions of Apomorphine
- Alosetron + Apomorphine Contraindicated
- Apomorphine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Apomorphine + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Apomorphine + Granisetron Contraindicated
- Apomorphine + Netupitant-palonosetron Contraindicated
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apomorphine with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apomorphine and Perphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Perphenazine blocks dopamine receptors and opposes the effect of apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, so Parkinson's symptoms may worsen. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval, and apomorphine can cause orthostatic hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Apomorphine and Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid antipsychotics with strong D2 blockade in patients on apomorphine; if an antipsychotic is needed, choose quetiapine or clozapine. Monitor ECG and blood pressure if both are used.
What other medicines interact with Perphenazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Perphenazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Perphenazine page.
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