The effect of doxapram on fetal breathing in the sheep

In five ewes of 105 to 120 days gestation intravenous doxapram (1.8 to 3.85 mg/kg) administered to the mother produced a dose-related increase in fetal breathing. This effect of doxapram might prove useful as a test of human fetal health. Fetal breathing movements could be a sensitive indication of the effects of drugs on the human fetal respiratory system.