doxapram hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Respiratory stimulant
Usual setting
Post-operative or anaesthetic recovery care
Administration
Intravenous use by a healthcare professional
Children
Not recommended for paediatric use
What is doxapram hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for use after anaesthesia.
Stimulating ventilation during post-operative recovery.
Reducing respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesics used around anaesthesia.
Increasing alertness and spontaneous breathing during recovery from inhalational anaesthesia when clinically beneficial.
How does doxapram hydrochloride work?
Doxapram mainly stimulates oxygen- and carbon-dioxide-sensing receptors in the carotid arteries. This increases the volume of air moved with each breath and, to a lesser extent, the breathing rate. Broader central nervous system stimulation can occur with greater exposure.
doxapram hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 20 mg/mL
How to take doxapram hydrochloride
Doxapram hydrochloride is administered into a vein by trained healthcare staff. An adequate airway must be maintained, with close observation of breathing, cardiovascular status and recovery from other anaesthetic medicines.
It is not for self-administration.
Tell the team about breathing problems, liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, seizures and all recent medicines.
The ampoule is for single use; any remaining solution is discarded.
doxapram hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects of unknown frequency include flushing, sweating, feeling feverish, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, coughing, increased saliva and warmth around the lower abdomen.
- Muscle twitching, restlessness, confusion and difficulty passing urine have also been reported.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with sudden wheezing, breathing difficulty, swelling, rash or widespread itching.
- Breathing difficulty, bronchospasm or throat spasm.
- Chest pain, severe hypertension or a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Marked muscle stiffness, repeated involuntary contractions, hallucinations or seizures.
- New limb weakness, slurred speech or visual disturbance.
doxapram hydrochloride in pregnancy
Use during pregnancy is not recommended unless there is a compelling clinical reason. The treating specialist should weigh the expected benefit against potential risk.
doxapram hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is not known whether doxapram passes into human milk. The clinical team should assess the need for treatment and use caution during breastfeeding.
doxapram hydrochloride interactions
The anaesthetic and recovery team should review all recent medicines before administration.
Aminophylline or theophylline
Combined use may increase central nervous system stimulation, agitation, muscle twitching and hyperactivity.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
These may intensify doxapram's effects, so concurrent use requires particular caution.
Sympathomimetics, including salbutamol and terbutaline
Doxapram may enhance cardiovascular effects, including increased blood pressure.
Common questions about doxapram hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is doxapram hydrochloride given after an anaesthetic?
It can stimulate breathing and alertness when anaesthetic medicines or opioid painkillers have reduced respiratory activity.
How is it administered?
A healthcare professional gives it into a vein in a monitored clinical setting.
Does it replace oxygen or breathing support?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.