Description

• Doxapram hydrochloride 20mg/ml. pH 3.5 - 5
• Dopram® (Anpharm): Doxapram 20mg/ml (Anpharm brand does not contain preservative)

This brand is not licensed in N.Z. (2011) and therefore only available under Section 29 of the Medicines Act. Prescription

Prescription

• Dilute to 1 – 2 mg/ml for administration ⁵
• Maximum concentration for administration is 2mg/ml^8,9
• Charted on the medication chart as a continuous infusion giving the amount of doxapram to be added and the base fluid type and volume, specifying the dose in mg/kg/hour and the equivalent ml/hour rate
• Charted on the fluid chart as ml/hour and mg/kg/hour

Administration

1. Compatible with glucose 5%, glucose 10%, sodium chloride 0.9%.
2. Incompatible with parenteral nutrition, alkaline solutions (e.g. sodium bicarbonate , and frusemide so run separately).
3. Administer as a continuous infusion via a syringe pump
4. Change preparation every 24 hours

Nursing Considerations

1. Babies on doxapram will usually also be receiving CPAP and need meticulous care in its application.
2. Capillary or arterial blood gases as ordered.
3. Monitor vital signs (BP, pulse rate, saturations).

Storage

• Store at room temperature below 25°C.  Do not refrigerate.
• Vials and amps are single use only.

Selected References