Effect of doxapram on postoperative oxygenation in obese patients

A infusion of doxapram in 5% dextrose at a rate of 2 mg/kg/hour for 6 hours, or of 5% dextrose alone, was given to 20 grossly obese patients who had undergone upper abdominal surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of hypoxaemia or the incidence of chest infections between the two groups.