Doxapram Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Doxapram Hydrochloride

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION DOPRAM Injection (doxapram hydrochloride injection, USP) is a clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, aqueous solution with pH 3.5 to 5, for intravenous administration. Each 1 mL contains: Doxapram Hydrochloride, USP ................................................................. 20 mg Benzyl Alcohol, NF (as preservative) ......................................................... 0.

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacodynamics Doxapram hydrochloride produces respiratory stimulation mediated through the peripheral carotid chemoreceptors. As the dosage level is increased, the central respiratory centers in the medulla are stimulated with progressive stimulation of other parts of the brain and spinal cord. The onset of respiratory stimulation following the recommended single intravenous injection of doxapram hydrochloride usually occurs in 20 to 40 seconds with peak effect at 1 to 2 minutes. The duration of effect may vary from 5 to 12 minutes. The respiratory stimulant action is manifested by an increase in tidal volume associated with a slight increase in respiratory rate. A pressor response may result following doxapram administration.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS & USAGE Postanesthesia When the possibility of airway obstruction and/or hypoxia have been eliminated, doxapram may be used to stimulate respiration in patients with drug-induced postanesthesia respiratory depression or apnea other than that due to muscle relaxant drugs. To pharmacologically stimulate deep breathing in the postoperative patient. (A quantitative method of assessing oxygenation, such as pulse oximetry, is recommended.

Common Doses

  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg
  • 250 mg
  • 12.5 mL

Dosage

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION NOTE: CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL (see PRECAUTIONS ) In Postanesthetic Use Table I. Dosage for postanesthetic use-I.V. and infusion. * Dose not to exceed 3 grams/24 hours. BY I.V. INJECTION (See Table I. Dosage for postanesthetic use—I.V.) The recommended dose for I.V. administration is 0.5 – 1 mg/kg for a single injection and at 5-minute intervals. Careful observation of the patient during administration and for some time subsequently are advisable. The maximum total dosage by I.V. injection is 2 mg/kg. BY INFUSION The solution is prepared by adding 250 mg of doxapram (12.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS Doxapram is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the injection components. Doxapram should not be used in patients with epilepsy or other convulsive disorders. Doxapram is contraindicated in patients with proven or suspected pulmonary embolism. Doxapram is contraindicated in patients with mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle paresis (including neuromuscular blockade), flail chest, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other conditions resulting in restriction of the chest...

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of DOPRAM (doxapram hydrochloride, USP) include: 1. Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems Pyrexia, flushing, sweating; pruritus and paresthesia, such as a feeling of warmth, burning, or hot sensation, especially in the area of genitalia and perineum; apprehension, disorientation, pupillary dilatation, hallucinations, headache, dizziness, hyperactivity, involuntary movements, muscle spasticity, muscle fasciculations, increased deep tendon reflexes, clonus, bilateral Babinski, and convulsions. 2.

Interactions

  • No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.