Shortage of injectable doxapram

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable doxapram, which stimulates breathing. The generic version of this drug is unavailable because it was one of the many manufactured by Ben Venue Labs under contract for Bedford Laboratories. Readers of my previous posts are aware by now that Ben Venue Labs voluntarily closed their manufacturing facility. Dopram, the brand name version of the drug manufactured by West-Ward, is in short supply. This drug is an important tool of anesthesiologists when people are not breathing well after surgery. In emergency rooms, it is likewise important in dealing with drug overdoses that depress respiration.