Nikethamide
Indications
Nikethamide Injection is used for the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms: Central nervous system stimulant, Barbiturate overdose.
Pharmacology
Nikethamide was formerly used as a respiratory stimulant but its use for this indication is no longer recommended as the effective doses are close to those causing toxic effects (especially convulsions).
Dosage And Administration
1500 mg as single dose. Frequency: as recommended.
Interaction
Additive pressor effects with sympathomimetics or MAOIs. Increased risk of cardiac arrythmias with some anaesthetics (halothane, enflurane, isoflurane). May mask the effects of neuromuscular blockers. Increased risk of convulsions with bupropion.
Contraindications
Porphyria, epilepsy or other convulsive disorders, cerebral oedema, cerebrovascular accident, head injury, acute severe asthma, physical obstruction of the airway, severe hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma.
Side Effects
The following is a list of possible side-effects that may occur from all constituting ingredients of Nikethamide Injection: Skin irritation, Eye irritation, Respiratory irritation.
Precautions And Warnings
Less severe degrees of hypertension or impaired cardiac reserve; liver dysfunction.
Therapeutic Class
Respiratory stimulants: analeptics
