Sometimes, after major surgery or due to the effects of other medications, our breathing rate can slow down a bit. Or some people have chronic lung conditions (like COPD). When breathing becomes difficult in these cases, there are special medications that can help restore it. Today, we are going to talk about a special injection that is only given in a hospital. That is Doxapram.
Simply put, what is Doxapram?
Doxapram is a drug that stimulates breathing . That is, this drug directly affects the center that controls breathing in our brain. Imagine that the breathing process in our body is like an automatic system. The control panel of this system is located in the brain. Due to some medications (especially anesthetics) or due to some medical conditions, the functioning of this control panel slows down a bit. That is when breathing becomes slow or shallow.
When you give the doxapram injection, it acts as if it goes to this center in the brain and gives a little signal to "wake up a little and work." This gives the lungs the stimulation they need to breathe properly and steadily.
This is most commonly used:
- When breathing becomes slow or shallow due to other medications.
- To assist breathing during exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The important thing is that this is a medication that is usually given only for a short period of time, under medical supervision, in a hospital. This is not a medication that you take home and use frequently.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before deciding to give you this medicine, it is essential that your medical team is aware of your complete health history. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be very careful when giving this medicine. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Head accident or injury | Because pressure on the brain can be affected. |
| Heart disease or heart failure | Heart rate and blood pressure can be affected. |
| High blood pressure | This medication may increase blood pressure. |
| High thyroid levels | Because it can increase the body's stimulation. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of removing the drug from the body may be affected. |
| A condition called Pheochromocytoma | This is a cancer of the adrenal gland that can severely affect blood pressure. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | The risk of seizures may increase as the brain is stimulated. |
| Stroke | High blood pressure can be dangerous. |
| Pregnancy, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects on the fetus or child. |
| Allergies to any other medicine, food or substance | Be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to doxapram as well. |
How is this medicine given?
This is an injection that is injected into a vein. It is given by your medical team in a hospital or clinic. This means that a doctor or nurse will give it to you. This treatment takes place while you are constantly monitored.
If you give this medicine to children, especially to children over 12 years of age, or even on special occasions, you need to be very careful. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if there is any suspicion that this has happened, the medical team will be informed immediately. If you need any information about this, in Sri Lanka, you should contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the hospital where you are being treated.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Some medications can interact with Doxapram and cause dangerous side effects. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
In particular, Doxapram is not given with the following medications:
- MAOIs (such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate) - These are a type of medication given for depression.
Also, side effects may occur with the following medications:
- Aminophylline
- Theophylline
- Some drugs used for anesthesia (e.g. halothane, isoflurane)
- Muscle relaxants for surgery
This list is not complete, so it is very important to inform your doctor about anything you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Doxapram can have side effects. Since you are under medical supervision in the hospital, they are constantly monitoring these. But it is good to be aware of this as well.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Symptoms such as severe headaches and vision changes. |
| Seizures | Uncontrolled body shaking. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Coughing with a tickling sensation in the throat. |
| Dizziness | A slight fainting spell. |
| Facial redness, warmth | A condition caused by dilation of blood vessels. |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headaches. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Sweating | Sweating without a change in body temperature. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor or nursing staff.
Take-Home Message
- Doxapram is a special drug that stimulates breathing and is given intravenously only in a hospital.
- This is mainly used when breathing is slowed due to other medications or conditions such as COPD.
- It is extremely important to inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- You will be under constant medical supervision while taking this medication. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please notify your doctor immediately.
- Since this is not a take-home medicine, you don't need to worry about storing it.
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