Doxapram, Injection DOKS-a-pram

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: respiratory stimulant

Generic and brand names: doxapram, injection; Dopram

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection to treat breathing problems caused by:

• anesthesia or narcotic drugs used during surgery
• certain kinds of severe lung disease
• an overdose of narcotics (also called opioids)

It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• head injury or a stroke
• heart disease, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• kidney or liver disease
• lung disease such as fibrosis (scarring), asthma, or COPD
• pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland)
• pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
• seizures
• thyroid problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is almost always given in a hospital or clinic.

The number of injections you need will depend on your condition.

What should I watch out for?

You will be monitored closely after receiving this medicine.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there); tremors; seizures; trouble breathing; muscle or joint pain.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, pain, fever, dizziness, headache, cough, tiredness, strong urge to urinate or have a bowel movement, flushing, sweating.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• aminophylline and theophylline
• decongestants such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) (Do not take this medicine and an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of each other.)
• stimulants such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.