VPT 321: Veterinary Neuropharmacology (2+1)

ANALEPTICS

Analeptics

• Respiratory stimulants – Used in coma or fainting. But may cause convulsions and not safe – mechanical ventilation is safer

Clinical uses

• In hypnotic drug poisoning in the absence of mechanical ventilation
• Suffocation on drowning
• Apnoea in infant
• Failure to ventilate spontaneously after GA

Drugs

• Doxapram – to stimulate respiration in postanaesthetic period.
  • Used to reverse barbiturate depression or inhalant anaesthetic depression
  • Used in dog, cat and horse
• Nikethamide – similar to doxapram – no longer used because of respiratory suppression.
  • For ordinary fainting – reflex stimulation with smelling of ammonia or alcohol is enough – no need for analeptics