Doxapram (Doxapram Hydrochloride) - Summary

DOXAPRAM SUMMARY

Doxapram Hydrochloride Injection USP, is a clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, aqueous solution with pH 3.5 to 5, for intravenous administration. Each mL contains doxapram hydrochloride 20 mg, benzyl alcohol (as preservative) 0.9%, and water for injection, q. s. Due to its benzyl alcohol content, doxapram hydrochloride injection should not be used in newborns. Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant. Doxapram hydrochloride is a white to off-white, crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water, alcohol and chloroform.

Postanesthesia.

a. 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.

b. To pharmacologically stimulate deep breathing in the postoperative patient. (A quantitative method of assessing oxygenation, such as pulse oximetry, is recommended.)

Drug-induced central nervous system depression.

Exercising care to prevent vomiting and aspiration, doxapram may be used to stimulate respiration, hasten arousal, and to encourage the return of laryngopharyngeal reflexes in patients with mild to moderate respiratory and CNS depression due to drug overdosage.

Chronic pulmonary disease associated with acute hypercapnia.

Doxapram is indicated as a temporary measure in hospitalized patients with acute respiratory insufficiency superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its use should be for a short period of time (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) as an aid in the prevention of elevation of arterial CO₂ tension during the administration of oxygen.

It should not be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Doxapram

The effect of doxapram on brain imaging in patients with panic disorder. [2007.10]
Administration of doxapram hydrochloride, a respiratory stimulant, is experienced by panic disorder patients to be similar to panic attacks but has reduced emotional effect in normal volunteers, thus providing a laboratory model of panic for functional imaging... This suggests that panic disorder patients activate frontal inhibitory centers less than controls, a tendency that may lower the threshold for panic.

Doxapram shortens recovery following sevoflurane anesthesia. [2006.05]
PURPOSE: A randomized, double blind controlled trial was undertaken to investigate the effect of doxapram on recovery times and bispectral index following sevoflurane anesthesia... CONCLUSION: We conclude that doxapram 1 mg.kg(-1) hastens early recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia, and this arousal effect correlates with higher bispectral index values.

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Clinical Trials Related to Doxapram

Dosing Chart for Calculating the First Dose of Doxapram in Premature Infants [Recruiting]
Doxapram is used to stimulate respiration. For a given dose, the fluctuations in concentrations observed in infants' blood may be wide, leading to a risk of lack of efficacy or of toxic effects. Two factors are linked to these fluctuations: age and gender. The aim of this study is to compare a dosage regimen based only on patient's weight, to another one using a dosing chart taking into account weight, age and gender.

Staccato™ Alprazolam for Inhalation in Panic Attack [Completed]
We are developing Staccato™ Alprazolam for the treatment of Panic attacks associated with panic disorder. This study will provide an initial assessment of efficacy, and to continue to describe the tolerability and pharmacokinetics, of a single inhaled dose of Staccato Alprazolam on a doxapram-induced panic attack in patients with panic disorder.

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