Is dopram injection used anymore?

RE: Is dopram injection used anymore?

Jibajabachip — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:38:45 GMT

Hi Amanda,

If you look at a previous reply on the thread, it's from someone who works for Zoetis, who manufacture Dopram. Her reply to my question is quite informative. They have stopped making Dropram V injection and the drops now anyway. You will only be able to get the human generic from a pharmacy.

Kind Regards

Jemma

RE: Is dopram injection used anymore?

Amanda Cooper — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 15:09:59 GMT

Hello Gemma,

I am currently a second year SVN and have heard some comments recently about the use of dopram in reviving neonates. I have been told that the current thinking is not to use dopram for respiratory depression. This was passed on from another student (not my college) and she thought that a recent CPD event that her vets had attended was the source of this. Could you let me know what the current thinking is as I am writing an assignment and this would be very useful current information.

Kind Regards,

Amanda Cooper SVN.

RE: Is dopram injection used anymore?

KizzieB — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 16:33:21 GMT

We have dopram injection and drops. However the injection is kept mostly for neonatal lambs and calves. We do use the drops for puppies post cesearean.

RE: Is dopram injection used anymore?

Gemma Hopkins — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:15:03 GMT

Following communications with specialist anaesthetist Polly Taylor I understand the value of doxapram (Dopram) and any potential side effects depend on what caused the bradypnoea.

Generally it would only be used in apnoea rather than bradypnoea and the cause (such as anaesthetic overdose) should be treated first - by artificial ventilation.

Doxapram doesn’t work if the brain is hypoxic because it needs a functional respiratory centre to produce an effect (it acts by mimicking input from peripheral chemoreceptors). If the respiratory depression is caused by depression of the respiratory centre (drugs, hypoxia) - the effect of doxapram is going to depend very much on what caused this respiratory depression in the first place. Hence we would always recommend seeking specialist advice for a specific case or situation.

I can also confirm Zoetis still supply Dopram.

Kind regards,

Gemma Hopkins

Zoetis National Veterinary Manager