Generic
Nikethamide
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nikethamide is a central and respiratory stimulant used for acute respiratory failure, respiratory depression following anesthesia and CNS depression. It directly stimulates the respiratory center to increase frequency and depth of breathing.
Description
Nikethamide also known as nicotinic acid diethylamide is a central & respiratory stimulant. It has direct stimulatory action on CNS, increases the frequency & depth of breathing. It has no immediate impact on the cardiovascular system. It is extensively metabolized in liver and excreted in urine.
Indications
- Acute respiratory failure
- Respiratory depression following anesthesia
- CNS depression
Therapeutic class
Respiratory Stimulants: Analeptics
Pharmacological class
Central & Respiratory Stimulant
Pharmacology
Nikethamide directly stimulates the respiratory center and reflexively stimulates it through carotid body chemoreceptors, increasing frequency and depth of breathing.
Mechanism of action
Improves respiration by stimulating the respiratory center.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- 2-10 mL of 25% solution by slow IV injection, repeated every 20-30 minutes if necessary
Pediatric Dose: Infants and children are particularly susceptible to toxic effects of nikethamide
Administration
- Administered by doctor or nurse as slow IV injection
- Use at prescribed dose
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (scheduled administration); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Dyspnoea
- Cough, bronchospasm
- Convulsions
- Headache, dizziness
- Alteration of blood pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Overdose: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Precautions & warnings
- Should not be used in less severe degrees of hypertension or impaired cardiac reserve & hepatic dysfunction
- Infants and children are particularly susceptible to toxic effects
Contraindications
- Porphyria
- Epilepsy or other convulsive disorders
- Cerebral oedema
- Airways obstruction
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Severe hypertension
- Ischaemic heart disease
Drug interactions
- Anesthetics, sympathomimetics, MAOIs, neuromuscular blockers, bupropion
Food interactions
No food interactions.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No adequate controlled studies in pregnant women.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No adequate controlled studies in nursing mothers.
Pediatric use
Infants and children are particularly susceptible to toxic effects.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Nikethamide