Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

DOXAPRAM - INJECTION

(DOX-uh-pram)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dopram

Uses

This medication is used to stimulate breathing (respiration). This medication can be used to treat breathing problems due to overdose of certain drugs (e.g., narcotic analgesics, barbiturates), lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and in the recovery period after anesthesia.

How To Use

This medication is given by vein (slow IV injection or infusion) under physician supervision. Response will be monitored continuously during administration. Close observation and monitoring is necessary until the patient is fully alert for 1 hour. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. The infusion should not be administered for longer than 2 hours or a maximum dose of 3 grams/24 hours. Learn all correct mixing, dilution and administration/usage instructions in the product package. Follow all proper safety precautions. Consult your pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information. The liquid should be checked for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Make sure needles and medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

Side Effects

Pain and redness at the injection site, feelings of warmth, flushing, sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or enlarged pupils may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, rapid/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes, increased muscle activity or spasms, seizures, urination problems, itching, trouble breathing (including very rapid or slow breathing). If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell the doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies, lung problems (e.g., airway obstruction, asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), liver or kidney problems, heart conditions (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), high blood pressure, brain swelling (cerebral edema), stroke, seizure disorders, head injury, thyroid conditions (e.g., hyperthyroid), pheochromocytoma, blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, metabolic disorders). A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: certain cough- and-cold drugs with adrenaline-like medicine such as decongestants (e.g., ephedrine, pseudoephedrine), other sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, dopamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline), drugs for anesthesia (e.g., halothane, cyclopropane and enflurane), muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine, vecuronium). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If the dose is interrupted, contact the doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.

Storage

Store the vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), this product is stable at room temperature for 48 hours.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).