Routes of
administration Intravenous CAS Number 309-29-5 DrugBank DB00561 CAS ID 309-29-5 | ATC code R07AB01 (WHO) PubChem CID 3156 Molar mass 378.507 g/mol | |
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Legal status In general: ℞ (Prescription only) | ||
Doxapram hydrochloride (marketed as Dopram, Stimulex or Respiram) is a respiratory stimulant. Administered intravenously, doxapram stimulates an increase in tidal volume, and respiratory rate.
Contents
Mechanism of action
Doxapram stimulates chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies of the carotid arteries, which in turn, stimulates the respiratory centre in the brain stem.
Appearance
Doxapram is a white to off-white, odorless, crystalline powder that is stable in light and air. It is soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in ether. Injectable products have a pH from 3.5-5. Benzyl alcohol or chlorobutanol is added as a preservative agent in the commercially available injections.
Uses
Doxapram is used in intensive care settings to stimulate the respiratory rate in patients with respiratory failure. It may be useful for treating respiratory depression in patients who have taken excessive doses of drugs such as buprenorphine or fentanyl analogues which may fail to respond adequately to treatment with naloxone.
It is equally effective as pethidine in suppressing shivering after surgery.
Side effects
Side effects include high blood pressure, panic attacks, rapid heart rate, tremor, sweating and vomiting. Convulsions have been reported. Its use is relatively contraindicated in people with coronary heart disease, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated in newborns and small children, mainly due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, which is included as a preservative.