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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › OTHER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM PRODUCTS › OTHER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM PRODUCTS › Respiratory stimulants
pentetrazol
R07AB03
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable solution: 100 mg/mL
- Oral tablets: 100 mg
Adult Dosing
- Respiratory stimulation: 100 to 200 mg IV or IM
- Analeptic overdose reversal: 100 to 300 mg cautiously IV titrated to response
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
- Use generally avoided due to high risk of severe neurotoxicity and seizures
Indications
- Historically used as a central nervous system and respiratory stimulant
- Obsolete analeptic agent for barbiturate or CNS depressant overdose
Mechanism of Action
- Non-competitive antagonist at GABAA receptor chloride channels
- Direct central nervous system stimulation leading to generalized neuronal excitation
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to pentetrazol
- History of seizure disorders or epilepsy
- Severe hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- Acute CNS poisoning from convulsant agents
Adverse Reactions
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Severe hypertension
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety, agitation, and confusion
Drug Interactions
- Additive convulsant effects with other seizure-threshold lowering drugs (e.g., fluoroquinolones, tramadol)
- Antagonism of CNS depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids)
- Potentiation of sympathomimetic agents leading to severe hypertension and arrhythmias
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use