Evaluation of doxapram for arousal from general anaesthesia in outpatients

In a double-blind study of 100 outpatients receiving methohexitone, nitrous oxide and halothane, the administration of doxapram 80 mg i.v. was associated with a significantly more rapid recovery from anaesthesia, the effect being more obvious in women than men. Doxapram produced a reduction of 3-4 min in the time of recovery to a safe level of consciousness. The effect was probably a result of the more rapid elimination of halothane caused by stimulation of respiration. In the patients who received doxapram the incidence of minor complications during recovery was reduced and there was some evidence of an improvement in the quality of recovery.