Stimulates peripheral carotid chemoreceptors and central medullary respiratory centers, increasing tidal volume and respiratory rate; used to stimulate breathing in neonates and reverse respiratory depression
At a glance
Class
Respiratory stimulant (analeptic)
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Neonatal resuscitation / Post-anaesthetic respiratory depression
Frequency
Once; may repeat in 15–20 min
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: Single dose; very short acting (2–5 min)
Neonatal resuscitation (sublingual in newborn puppies)
Route
Sublingual, Umbilical vein
Max dose
5 mg/dose; 10 mg/day
Duration: Single dose at birth
Neonatal resuscitation / Respiratory depression
Frequency
Once; may repeat
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: Single dose
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Seizure disorders
Lowers seizure threshold
Severe hypertension
May worsen
Adverse effects
Common
Hyperventilation
Hypertension
Restlessness
Serious
Seizures
Cardiac arrhythmias
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory rate and patternHeart rateBlood pressureSpO2
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Doxapram?
Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant (analeptic) used in pets. Stimulates peripheral carotid chemoreceptors and central medullary respiratory centers, increasing tidal volume and respiratory rate; used to stimulate breathing in neonates and reverse respiratory depression
›What is Doxapram used for in pets?
Doxapram is used in veterinary medicine for: Neonatal resuscitation / Post-anaesthetic respiratory depression; Neonatal resuscitation (sublingual in newborn puppies); Neonatal resuscitation / Respiratory depression.
›What is the Doxapram dose for dogs?
For dogs, Doxapram is typically dosed as follows — Neonatal resuscitation / Post-anaesthetic respiratory depression: 1–5 mg/kg IV Once; may repeat in 15–20 min; Neonatal resuscitation (sublingual in newborn puppies): 1–5 mg/kg Sublingual/Umbilical vein Once. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Doxapram dose for cats?
For cats, Doxapram is typically dosed as follows — Neonatal resuscitation / Respiratory depression: 1–5 mg/kg IV/Sublingual Once; may repeat. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Doxapram?
Common: Hyperventilation, Hypertension, Restlessness. Serious (call your vet immediately): Seizures, Cardiac arrhythmias, Respiratory alkalosis.
›Does Doxapram need a prescription?
Yes. Doxapram is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Doxapram not be used?
Do not use Doxapram if: Seizure disorders; Severe hypertension.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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