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| Trade names | Dopram, Stimulex, Respiram |
| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.653 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C24H30N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 378.516 g·mol−1 |
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Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant, oranaleptic. Administeredintravenously, doxapram stimulates an increase intidal volume, andrespiratory rate.[citation needed]
Doxapram is used inintensive care settings to stimulate the respiratory rate in patients withrespiratory failure. It may be useful for treating respiratory depression in patients who have taken excessive doses of drugs such asopioids which may fail to respond adequately to treatment withnaloxone.[1]
It is equally as effective aspethidine in suppressing shivering aftersurgery.[2]
Doxapram has been used as a reversal agent after general anesthesia in captivesharks and rays, but it must be used with caution, as the animals can become excitatory as aside effect.[3]
Side effects of doxapram includehigh blood pressure,anxiety,rapid heartbeat,tremor,sweating, andvomiting.Convulsions have been reported. Its use is relatively contraindicated in people withcoronary artery disease,epilepsy, and high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated in newborns and small children, mainly due to the presence ofbenzyl alcohol, which is included as a preservative.[citation needed]
Doxapram stimulateschemoreceptors in thecarotid bodies of the carotid arteries, which in turn, stimulates the respiratory center in thebrainstem.[citation needed]
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 orchlorobutanol is added as a preservative agent in commercially available preparations.[citation needed]
