Doxapram Injection

What is this medication?

DOXAPRAM (DOKS a pram) treats slow or shallow breathing caused by medications. It may also be used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by stimulating the breathing center in the brain, which helps the lungs breathe consistently.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dopram

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Head injury
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• High thyroid levels
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures
• Stroke
• An unusual or allergic reaction to doxapram, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aminophylline
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome.):

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.