Doxapram Hydrochloride(docks’ a pram)
Dopram
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Analeptic
Respiratory stimulant
Therapeutic Actions
Stimulates the peripheral carotid chemoreceptors to cause an increase in tidal volume and slight increase in respiratory rate; this stimulation also has a pressor effect.
Indications
To stimulate respiration in patients with drug-induced postanesthesia respiratory depression or apnea; also used to “stir up” patients in combination with oxygen postoperatively
To stimulate respiration, hasten arousal in patients experiencing drug-induced CNS depression
As a temporary measure in hospitalized patients with acute respiratory insufficiency superimposed on COPD
Unlabeled uses: Treatment of apnea of prematurity when methylxanthines have failed, obstructive sleep apnea, laryngospasm secondary to tracheal extubation
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with newborns (contains benzyl alcohol), epilepsy, incompetence of the ventilatory mechanism, flail chest, hypersensitivity to doxapram, head injury, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, severe hypertension, stroke.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Injection—20 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults
IV injection
Postanesthetic use: Single injection of 0.5–1 mg/kg IV; do not exceed 1.5 mg/kg as a total single injection or 2 mg/kg when given as multiple injections at 5-min intervals.
Infusion
250 mg in 250 mL of dextrose or sodium chloride solution; initiate at 5 mg/min until response is seen; maintain at 1–3 mg/min; recommended total dose is 300 mg or 4 mg/kg.
COPD associated with acute hypercapnia: Mix 400 mg in 180 mL of IV infusion; start infusion at 1–2 mg/min (0.5–1 mL/min); check blood gases, and adjust rate accordingly. Do not use for longer than 2 hr. Maximum of 3 mg/min.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
