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
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.
Find a vet near you →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
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database