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Doxapram

Latest prescription information about Doxapram. Learn how to pronounce the drug’s name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, its storage instructions and warnings if any when taken during pregnancy. Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
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Generic Name : Doxapram
Pronunciation : DOX-uh-pram
Therapeutic Classification : Respiratory stimulants
Trade Name(s): 
India- Caropram inj, Doxapram.
International- Dopram.
Why it is prescribed (Indications) : 
This medication is a respiratory stimulant, prescribed for airway obstruction and drug induced respiratory depression. It alters neurotransmitters in the brain that stimulate breathing center.
When it is not to be taken (Contraindications): 
Contraindicated in patients with epilepsy, blood clot in lungs, stroke, heart failure, severe high blood pressure and hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy Category :

A B C D X
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Dosage & When it is to be taken : 
Adult: IV- Post-op resp depression- Initial: 0.5-1.5 mg/kg via injection. May repeat hourly if needed. Max total: 4 mg/kg.
Acute resp failure- 1.5-4 mg/min via infusion.
How it should be taken : 
It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.
Warnings and Precautions : 
* Monitor blood pressure, pulse rate, kidney and liver functions regularly while taking this medication.
* Avoid rapid administration; otherwise it will lead to breakdown of blood cells.
* Patient may develop with increased risk of low blood pressure or difficulty in breathing; if so consult with your doctor.
* Caution should be exercised in patients with history of heart, liver or kidney disease, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side Effects : 
Central Nervous Systems- Fever, flushing, tingling, feeling warmth, burning or hot sensation, disorientation, hallucinations, headache, dizziness, hyperactivity, involuntary movements, increased deep tendon reflexes and convulsions.
Respiratory- Difficulty in breathing, increased cough, fast breath and asthma.
Heart- Inflammation of vein, irregular heart rate, chest pain, tightness in chest and high blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Genitourinary- Uncontrolled urination, urinary retention and elevation of Blood Urea Nitrogen and albumin in urine.
Blood- Breakdown of blood cells, anemia and decrease in white blood cells.
Skin- Sweating and itching.
Eye- Pupil dilation.
Other Precautions : 
* Patient must be provided with adequate oxygen and ventilation.
* Avoid excess/low dosage.
Storage Conditions : 
Store it at room temperature (20°-25°C) and in an airtight container.

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Reference  

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • PubMed
  • CIMS
  • Indian Pharma Reference Guide 2012
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