Doxapram
Also known as: Dopram-V, Respiram, Dopram, Docatone, Doxapril
Doxapram is an emergency and anesthetic adjunct medication used **exclusively in a hospital setting** under direct professional supervision. - Your veterinarian may use this medication to help stimulate your pet's breathing as they wake up from anesthesia. - It is also frequently used during specific diagnostic procedures, such as evaluating the function of the larynx (voice box) in dogs suspected of having laryngeal paralysis. - Because it stimulates the central nervous system, your pet will be closely monitored for changes in heart rate, breathing rate, and neurological status while receiving this drug.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Veterinary professional? See the full dosing-by-species reference on VetSheet →
What it is used for
- Gas anesthesia recovery
- Barbiturate anesthesia recovery
- To initiate or stimulate respirations in neonates after caesarian section or dystocia
- To stimulate respiratory function in neonates
- Primary apnea in asphyxic calves when intubation and mechanical ventilation are not feasible
- Primary apnea in newborn calves
- Halothane, methoxyflurane anesthesia recovery
- Chloral hydrate ± magnesium sulfate anesthesia recovery
- Adjunctive treatment to stimulate respirations in foals with sepsis or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
- Respiratory depression
- Respiratory depression (Rabbits)
- Respiratory depression (Rodents)
- Respiratory depression (Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters)
- Respiratory depression (Guinea pigs)
- Respiratory depression (Chinchillas)
- Gas anesthesia recovery
- Barbiturate anesthesia recovery
- To initiate or stimulate respirations in neonates after caesarian section or dystocia
- To stimulate respiratory function in neonates
- To assess laryngeal function
- To stimulate respiration after general anesthesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypertension
- Arrhythmias
- Tachycardia
- Seizures (at high doses)
- Hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis
- Increased myocardial oxygen demand
- Reduced cerebral blood flow
- Skeletal muscle hyperactivity
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients receiving mechanical ventilation
- Hypersensitivity to doxapram
- Seizure disorders
- Head trauma or cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)
- Uncompensated heart failure
- Severe hypertension
- Respiratory failure secondary to neuromuscular disorders
- Airway obstruction
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pneumothorax
- Acute asthma
- Dyspnea
- Hypoxia not associated with hypercapnia
- Premature calves or patients with clinical signs of lung immaturity
- Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of asthma, arrhythmias, tachycardias, cerebral edema, increased CSF pressure, pheochromocytoma, or hyperthyroidism. Doxapram is NOT a substitute for aggressive artificial (mechanical) respiratory support. Avoid IV extravasation or using a single injection site for a prolonged period. Repeated IV doses in neonates should be administered with caution because the commercial product contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
Drug interactions
- General Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, enflurane): Doxapram may increase epinephrine release and sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines. Use should be delayed for ~10 minutes after discontinuing these anesthetics.
- Muscle Relaxants: Doxapram may mask the effects of muscle relaxant drugs.
- Sympathomimetic Agents: Additive pressor (blood pressure increasing) effects may occur.
Frequently asked questions
What is Doxapram used for in pets?
Doxapram is an emergency and anesthetic adjunct medication used exclusively in a hospital setting under direct professional supervision. - Your veterinarian may use this medication to help stimulate your pet's breathing as they wake up from anesthesia. - It is also frequently used during specific diagnostic procedures, such as evaluating the function of the larynx (voice box) in dogs suspected of having laryngeal paralysis. - Because it stimulates the central nervous system, your pet will be closely monitored for changes in heart rate, breathing rate, and neurological status while receiving this drug.
Is Doxapram safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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