Effects of doxapram on postoperative pulmonary complications following thoracotomy.

An i.v. solution of 5% dextrose with doxapram 2 mg ml-1 or 5% dextrose alone was administered to 53 patients following lateral thoracotomy. Estimations of arterial PO2, PCO2 and pH were made before operation, during infusion and 7 days after after operation. Respiratory function tests were carried out before and 7 days after operation. There were no significant differences in arterial PO2, PCO2 and pH or in respiratory function tests between those who received doxapram and those who did not. In this study doxapram did not affect the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications.