TheraRadar
Data updated: Jun 28, 2026

DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE · WATSON LABS INC

Respiratory Approved 1965-06-23

Doxapram Hydrochloride is a respiratory stimulant indicated for the treatment of drug-induced respiratory depression or apnea in postanesthesia patients (excluding depression caused by muscle relaxants) and to encourage postoperative deep breathing. It is also used to hasten arousal and restore laryngopharyngeal reflexes in patients with mild to moderate CNS depression due to drug overdosage. Additionally, it is indicated as a temporary, short-term measure for hospitalized patients with acute respiratory insufficiency superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to prevent the elevation of arterial CO2 tension during oxygen administration. It should not be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation.

Source: FDA Label

How DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE Works

Doxapram hydrochloride produces respiratory stimulation by activating peripheral carotid chemoreceptors at lower doses and the central respiratory centers in the medulla at higher doses. This stimulation increases tidal volume and, to a lesser extent, the respiratory rate. As a non-specific CNS stimulant, higher doses may also affect the spinal cord and other brain regions. The drug's effect is rapid in onset but has a short duration of action.

Source: FDA Label
2
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
61
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1965-06-23
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

1993
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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
6 FDA actions from 1992 to 2007
May 2007 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jan 2003 ORIGINAL
Update
Feb 1999 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)

What DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

6 indications

DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 6 conditions since its original approval in 1992. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

Source: FDA Label

DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

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DOPRAM
DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE
6 shared
Hikma
Shared indications:
Postanesthesia Respiratory DepressionApneaDrug-Induced Central Nervous System Depression +3 more
ANORO ELLIPTA
UMECLIDINIUM BROMIDE
1 shared
GSK
ARFORMOTEROL TARTRATE
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Dr. Reddy's
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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT06585163 QEV-817-101 5R44DA055336 Ph 1 not yet recruiting Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of QEV-817 Oral Suspension
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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

DOXAPRAM HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

INDICATIONS & USAGE Postanesthesia When the possibility of airway obstruction and/or hypoxia have been eliminated, doxapram may be used to stimulate respiration in patients with drug-induced postanesthesia respiratory depression or apnea other than that due to muscle relaxant drugs. To pharmacologically stimulate deep breathing in the postoperative patient. (A quantitative method of assessing oxygenation, such as pulse oximetry, is recommended.) Drug-Induced Central Nervous System Depression Exercising care to prevent vomiting and aspiration, doxapram may be used to stimulate respiration, hast...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.