Which CNS stimulant is used to stimulate respirations in newborns or in respiratory arrest? Trade name Dopram.

• A. Dopram
• B. Doxyn
• C. Doxapram
• D. Epinephrine

Answer: (C)

Doxapram is a central nervous system stimulant that directly increases respiratory drive by activating the brainstem respiratory center and stimulating peripheral chemoreceptors. This makes it useful for kicking in breathing in newborns with apnea or during respiratory arrest. It acts quickly, especially when given intravenously, and has a short duration, which is ideal for a rapid, temporary boost in respiration. The trade name Dopram refers to this same drug, so Dopram and doxapram describe the same agent in practice. Epinephrine can help in CPR for circulation, but it does not specifically stimulate the respiratory center, so it isn’t the drug of choice for initiating respirations.