Doxapram is a central respiratory stimulant. It increases respiration and phrenic nerve activity in anesthetized cats at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Doxapram acts through carotid chemoreceptors, lacking activity in anesthetized cats following carotid denervation. Formulations containing doxapram have been used to increase respiration in patients with chronic pulmonary disease, respiratory depression induced by drug overdose, and to stimulate deep breathing post-anesthesia.
