Does anyone use doxapram for apnea of prematurity in addition to caffeine when the apneas are troublesome? If you do use it have you seen any side effects?

Jaideep

In Copenhagen we use doxapram for apnea. It is usually very effective and we use it as an alternative for mechanical ventilation. Some infants get jittery and elevated bloodpressure. I think doxapram should be used exclusively when mechanical ventilation is the alternative.

Jes Reinholdt

dear dr jaideep,

we have used cloram a couple of times on the babies with no detectable causes of apnea and not controlled even on 2.5 mg/kg/dose 8 hourly of theophyline 9caffiene is not available in india)

The problem is that the effect rapidly weans off in 48 hours and than again the same state.

we have observed hypertension in the upper range , but did not experience the Gasping syndrome often described