Can a respiratory stimulant help ventilator patients wean off faster?

NCT ID NCT07637149

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether doxapram, a drug that stimulates breathing, can help adults on mechanical ventilation transition to breathing on their own. Sixty ICU patients ready to wean will receive either doxapram or a placebo during a breathing trial. Researchers will measure diaphragm movement and track whether patients avoid needing a ventilator again within 72 hours.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
doxapram
What this could lead to
If it works, doxapram could help ICU patients come off ventilators faster and avoid needing a breathing tube again.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 60 patients. Doxapram may not improve weaning success and could cause side effects like jitteriness or high blood pressure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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