Description: | A respiratory stimulant that enhances breathing by increasing the oxygen int he blood while decreasing the carbon dioxide content in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It may also prove useful in the treatment of nocturnal oxygen desaturation without impairing the quality of sleep. It has advantages over other drugs, as it is well tolerated, with minimal side effects. |
Dosage: | Adult : PO 50-100 mg/day in 2 divided doses. IV Up to 3 mg/kg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses via IV infusion. |
Dosage Details: | Intravenous
Respiratory stimulant in acute respiratory failure Adult: Up to 3 mg/kg/day, in 2 or3 divided doses via IV infusion with each dose being infused over 2 hr. Oral Respiratory stimulant in acute respiratory failure Adult: 50-100 mg daily, given in 2 divided doses. Treatment may be intermittent. |
Adverse Drug Reactions: | May cause weakness in lower extremities. Headache and gastrointestinal side effects |
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Therapeutic Category: | Respiratory stimulants |