Doxapram is primarily used as a respiratory stimulant in clinical settings. It is administered to treat respiratory depression resulting from drug overdose, particularly from anesthetics or sedatives such as opioids or barbiturates. It helps increase the rate and depth of respiration by stimulating the central nervous system, specifically the medullary respiratory centers. It is also used post-anesthesia to accelerate recovery from respiratory insufficiency. In neonatal care, doxapram may be used in infants who experience apnea or inadequate breathing after birth. Additionally, it has been employed in diagnostic procedures involving respiratory drive assessment. Due to its stimulant properties, doxapram is sometimes used off-label in specific cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with acute respiratory failure, though this use is limited due to potential side effects. Its application requires careful monitoring because of the risk of seizures, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias.