| Contraindications: | An analeptic drug used in the treatment of light coma, drowsiness and inadequate depth of respiration. It can raise the level of consciousness in comatose patients so that they can be encouraged to cough and bring up bronchial secretions. |
| Special Precautions: | Less severe degrees of hypertension or impaired cardiac reserve; liver dysfunction. |
| Adverse Drug Reactions: | Dyspnoea, respiratory problems; muscular, GI, CNS and CV effects. Convulsions. |
| Drug Interactions: | Additive pressor effects with sympathomimetics or MAOIs. Increased risk of cardiac arrythmias with some anaesthetics (halothane, enflurane, isoflurane). May mask the effects of neuromuscular blockers. Increased risk of convulsions with bupropion. |
| Mechanism of Action: | Description: Nikethamide was formerly used as a respiratory stimulant but its use for this indication is no longer recommended as the effective doses are close to those causing toxic effects (especially convulsions). |
| Therapeutic Category: | Respiratory Stimulants |
