# Doxapram: veterinary dose and monograph

> Doxapram is a veterinary drug. A central respiratory STIMULANT (analeptic) used to stimulate breathing — most importantly to initiate/strengthen respiration in NEONATES after caesarean section or dystocia (a drop under the tongue or via the umbilical vein), and to… Indications include neonatal respiratory stimulation after caesarean/dystocia (sublingual or umbilical vein); stimulation of respiration after general anaesthesia (post-anaesthetic apnoea/hypoventilation); hastening arousal/breathing during recovery from CNS/respiratory depression (adjunct). This monograph lists 11 reference doses for dogs, cats, cattle, horses, birds and rabbits and 1 more species, each with route, frequency and source, plus meat and milk withdrawal periods for food animals.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/doxapram · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Veterinary drug
- **Also known as:** Dopram, Dopram-V, Doxapram HCl
- **Species with doses:** Dogs, Cats, Cattle, Horses, Birds, Rabbits and Reptiles
- **General dose range:** 1–5 mg/kg IV once (repeat if needed) — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** IV, SC, IM
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Neonatal respiratory stimulation after caesarean/dystocia (sublingual or umbilical vein)
- Stimulation of respiration after general anaesthesia (post-anaesthetic apnoea/hypoventilation)
- Hastening arousal/breathing during recovery from CNS/respiratory depression (adjunct)
- Respiratory stimulation in acute hypoventilation (short-term)

## Doxapram dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Doxapram doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory stimulation after inhalant anaesthesia | 1.1 mg/kg | IV | once; may repeat in 15–20 min | — |
| Respiratory stimulation after barbiturate anaesthesia | 5.5–11 mg/kg | IV | once; may repeat in 15–20 min | — |
| Laryngeal function examination | 2.2 mg/kg | IV | once | — |
| Neonatal resuscitation (puppy) | 1–5 drops (1–5 mg) of 20 mg/mL SC, sublingually or via the umbilical vein, by size; or 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV | IV | once | — |

- Respiratory stimulation after inhalant anaesthesia: Plumb’s p.442 (Dopram-V label): 1.1 mg/kg IV after gas anaesthesia; adjust to depth, rate and volume; may repeat in 15–20 min. Papich 5e: 5–10 mg/kg IV (general). Effect is brief — secure the airway and give oxygen first.
- Respiratory stimulation after barbiturate anaesthesia: Plumb’s p.442 (label): 5.5–11 mg/kg IV after barbiturate anaesthesia. Papich 5e: 5–10 mg/kg IV.
- Laryngeal function examination: Plumb’s p.442 (McKiernan 2007): 2.2 mg/kg IV stimulates respiration and laryngeal motion within 15–30 s for about 2 min; anaesthesia may lighten — be ready to intubate.
- Neonatal resuscitation (puppy): Plumb’s p.442: 1–5 drops (1–5 mg) SC, SL or umbilical vein by neonate size (label); 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV, IM or SL — most useful for gasping, erratic breathing after oxygen (Traas 2009). Papich 5e: neonates 1–5 mg SC, SL or umbilical vein. Airway, warmth and oxygen first.

### Cats

*Doxapram doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Neonatal resuscitation (kitten) | 1–2 drops (1–2 mg) of 20 mg/mL SC or sublingually; or 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV | SC | once | — |
| Respiratory stimulation (post-anaesthesia) | 1.1–11 mg/kg | IV | once; may repeat in 15–20 min | — |

- Neonatal resuscitation (kitten): Plumb’s p.442: 1–2 drops (1–2 mg) SC or SL by severity (label); 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV, IM or SL (Traas 2009). Airway and warmth first.
- Respiratory stimulation (post-anaesthesia): Plumb’s p.442 (label): 1.1 mg/kg after gas anaesthesia; 5.5–11 mg/kg after barbiturate anaesthesia. Papich 5e: 5–10 mg/kg IV.

### Cattle

*Doxapram doses for cattle*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Primary apnoea in newborn calves | 2 mg/kg | IV | once | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Primary apnoea in newborn calves: Plumb’s p.442: 2 mg/kg IV for primary apnoea in asphyxic newborn calves when intubation/ventilation is not possible (Bleul 2010; Constable 2006). Contraindicated in premature calves with signs of lung immaturity.

### Horses

*Doxapram doses for horses*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory stimulation (post-anaesthesia) | 0.44–0.55 mg/kg | IV | once; may repeat in 15–20 min | — |

- Respiratory stimulation (post-anaesthesia): Plumb’s p.442 (label): 0.44 mg/kg IV after inhalant anaesthesia, 0.55 mg/kg after chloral hydrate. Foal CRI: the references conflict by 60× — Papich 5e gives 0.5 mg/kg IV then 0.03–0.08 mg/kg per MINUTE, Plumb’s gives 0.02–0.05 mg/kg per HOUR — verify before using a CRI. ARCI Class 2.

### Buffalo

No buffalo-specific doses are on file, so buffalo are dosed as cattle.

*Doxapram doses for buffalo*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Primary apnoea in newborn calves | 2 mg/kg | IV | once | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Primary apnoea in newborn calves: Plumb’s p.442: 2 mg/kg IV for primary apnoea in asphyxic newborn calves when intubation/ventilation is not possible (Bleul 2010; Constable 2006). Contraindicated in premature calves with signs of lung immaturity.

### Birds

*Doxapram doses for birds*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory depression | 5–10 mg/kg | IM | once | — |

- Respiratory depression: Plumb’s p.442 (Harris 2003): 5–10 mg/kg IM or IV.

### Rabbits

*Doxapram doses for rabbits*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory depression | 2–5 mg/kg | IV | q15 min as needed | — |

- Respiratory depression: Plumb’s p.442 (Huerkamp 1995): rabbits 2–5 mg/kg SC or IV every 15 min.

### Reptiles

*Doxapram doses for reptiles*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Post-anaesthetic respiratory stimulation | 5 mg/kg | IV | once | — |

- Post-anaesthetic respiratory stimulation: Plumb’s p.442 (Wilson 2002): 5 mg/kg IV.

## Contraindications

Seizure disorders (CNS stimulant — lowers threshold). Severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmia, or coronary disease. Airway obstruction (stimulating breathing against an obstruction is harmful — secure the airway first). Use as a substitute for ventilation/oxygen. Known hypersensitivity.

## Species-specific warnings

> **Caution:** Cats: For kitten resuscitation use a single small drop sublingually/umbilical vein; prioritise airway, warmth and stimulation.

## Adverse effects

- CNS stimulation — hyperexcitability, tremor, seizures (overdose)
- Hypertension, tachycardia/arrhythmia
- Increased oxygen consumption
- Hyperventilation; brief effect (may need repeating)

## Drug interactions

- Sympathomimetics: additive cardiovascular stimulation (hypertension, arrhythmia)
- MAO inhibitors: potentiated pressor effect
- Volatile anaesthetics: theoretical sensitisation to arrhythmia
- Not effective against (and not a substitute for) naloxone in opioid-induced depression

## Pregnancy and lactation

Used at parturition specifically to resuscitate neonates; maternal use only if clearly needed.

## Monitoring

- Respiratory rate/effort and oxygenation (the goal — but secure airway/O2 first)
- Heart rate/rhythm and blood pressure
- CNS status (excitability/seizures) — avoid over-dosing
- Neonates: ongoing warmth, airway clearance and stimulation

## Toxicity and overdose

Overdose causes excessive CNS stimulation — hyperactivity, tremor, hypertension, tachyarrhythmia and seizures — and increases cerebral/myocardial oxygen demand. The benefit is brief, so over-zealous repeat dosing can tip into toxicity.

Management: No specific antidote. Control seizures/hyperexcitability with benzodiazepines; manage hypertension/arrhythmia; ensure adequate oxygenation/ventilation. Effects are short-lived. Discontinue and support.

## Clinical pearls

- The classic "kick-start" for non-breathing neonates after a C-section — a drop under the tongue or in the umbilical vein — but airway clearance, drying/stimulation, warmth and oxygen are the real priorities
- It stimulates breathing transiently; it is NOT a replacement for ventilation/oxygen, and won't fix airway obstruction
- For opioid-induced respiratory depression, reach for naloxone, not doxapram
- Avoid in seizure-prone patients and don't over-repeat — CNS over-stimulation/seizures are the toxicity

## Mechanism of action

At low doses it stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid/aortic bodies); at higher doses it directly stimulates the medullary respiratory centre — both increasing respiratory rate and tidal volume. The same generalised CNS stimulation accounts for its excitatory/seizure toxicity at higher doses. Its effect is transient.

## Formulations and products

- Injection 20 mg/mL (IV; or drop sublingual / umbilical vein in neonates)
- Dopram-V (Zoetis / Dechra) — 20 mg/mL injection, Injection
- Dopram — 20 mg/mL injection, Injection (human-label)

## Storage

Injection: 15–30 °C, protect from light.

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

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## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Doxapram for dogs?

Reference doses for Doxapram in dogs: 1.1 mg/kg IV once; may repeat in 15–20 min (Respiratory stimulation after inhalant anaesthesia); 5.5–11 mg/kg IV once; may repeat in 15–20 min (Respiratory stimulation after barbiturate anaesthesia); 2.2 mg/kg IV once (Laryngeal function examination); 1–5 drops (1–5 mg) of 20 mg/mL SC, sublingually or via the umbilical vein, by size; or 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV IV once (Neonatal resuscitation (puppy)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Doxapram for cats?

Reference doses for Doxapram in cats: 1–2 drops (1–2 mg) of 20 mg/mL SC or sublingually; or 0.1 mL (2 mg) IV SC once (Neonatal resuscitation (kitten)); 1.1–11 mg/kg IV once; may repeat in 15–20 min (Respiratory stimulation (post-anaesthesia)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Doxapram for cattle?

Reference doses for Doxapram in cattle: 2 mg/kg IV once (Primary apnoea in newborn calves). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the withdrawal period for Doxapram?

Cattle, IV (Primary apnoea in newborn calves): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label. Follow the product label and national regulations where they differ.

### When should Doxapram not be used?

Seizure disorders (CNS stimulant — lowers threshold). Severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmia, or coronary disease. Airway obstruction (stimulating breathing against an obstruction is harmful — secure the airway first). Use as a substitute for ventilation/oxygen. Known hypersensitivity.

### What are the side effects of Doxapram in animals?

CNS stimulation — hyperexcitability, tremor, seizures (overdose); Hypertension, tachycardia/arrhythmia; Increased oxygen consumption; Hyperventilation; brief effect (may need repeating).

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition

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VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.