ATC Group: R07AB Respiratory stimulants

Almitrine is a diphenylmethylpiperazine derivative and respiratory stimulant that enhances respiration by acting as an agonist of peripheral chemoreceptors located on the carotid bodies. It is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also reported to have a potentially beneficial effect in treating the noctural oxygen desaturation without impairing the quality of sleep.

Bemegride is a CNS stimulant that is used to induce convulsions in experimental animals. It has also been used as a respiratory stimulant and in the treatment of barbiturate overdose. Bemegride is an antidote for barbiturate poisoning. Bemegride has being shown to have an antagonistic action on the GABAA receptor.

Doxapram is an analeptic agent (a stimulant of the central nervous system). Doxapram produces respiratory stimulation mediated through the peripheral carotid chemoreceptors. It is thought to stimulate the carotid body by inhibiting certain potassium channels. Used as temporary measure in hospitalized patients with acute respiratory insufficiency superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.