Pronunciation: DOX-uh-pram
Generic Name: Doxapram
Brand Name: Dopram
Dopram is used for:
Stimulating or improving breathing in patients after surgery or overdose of certain medicines. It is also used to treat chronic lung disease associated with excessive carbon dioxide in the blood.
Dopram is an analeptic. It works by stimulating the breathing center of the brain by altering the natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Do NOT use Dopram if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Dopram
- you have a history of seizures, heart problems, severe high blood pressure, or blood vessel problems
- you are having an asthma attack or you have a blockage of the airway, a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or other lung problems (eg, pulmonary fibrosis)
- you have had a recent chest injury, head injury, stroke, or have swelling in the brain
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Dopram:
Some medical conditions may interact with Dopram. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of asthma or irregular heartbeat
- if you have an overactive thyroid, adrenal gland tumors, high blood pressure, increased spinal fluid pressure, or liver or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dopram. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Aminophylline, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sympathomimetics (eg, phenylephrine), or theophylline because the side effects of Dopram may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dopram may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Dopram:
Use Dopram as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Dopram is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
- If Dopram contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Dopram, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dopram.
Important safety information:
- Dopram may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Dopram. Using Dopram alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Dopram. Dopram will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
- LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, heart function tests, and muscle reflexes, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Dopram with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
- Use of Dopram is not recommended in neonates or premature infants. Dopram contains benzyl alcohol, which may cause severe nervous system problems, seizures, breathing problems, and death in neonates and premature infants.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Dopram, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dopram during pregnancy. It is unknown if Dopram is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Dopram, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Dopram:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal skin sensations; coughing; diarrhea; dilation of pupils; dizziness; fear; flushing; headache; hiccups; itching; nausea; sweating; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heart rate; chest pain; disorientation; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hyperactivity; inability to urinate; involuntary movements; loss of bladder control; muscle spasms; seizures; severe dizziness or headache; slow breathing.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Dopram side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; cough; difficulty breathing; fast heartbeat; high blood pressure; muscle hyperactivity; reflex changes; sweating.
Proper storage of Dopram:
Dopram is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Dopram at home, store Dopram as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Dopram, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Dopram is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dopram. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Dopram resources
- Dopram Side Effects (in more detail)
- Dopram Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Dopram Drug Interactions
- Dopram Support Group
- 0 Reviews · Be the first to review/rate this drug
- Dopram Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Dopram Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Doxapram Prescribing Information (FDA)
