CNS Stimulants 119

These are the group of drugs which are used
to stimulate the central nervous system.
Some of them are also known as analeptics,
but they are not much useful clinically due
to non-selectivity of action.

They are classified as in table 2.9.1.

ANALEPTICS

These drugs stimulate respiration in coma or

fainting but because of its narrow margin of

safety, they are occasionally used. Nikethamide

is no longer used. Doxapram stimulates

respiration and raises the blood pressure.

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Chapter

1.4

Chapter

2.9 CNS Stimulants

Table 2.9.1: Classification of CNS stimulants.

I. Analeptics

Nikethamide (CORAMINE) 25% solution oral/IM/IV

Doxapram 40-80 mg IM/IV

II. Psychostimulants

Amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine etc.

Methylphenidate (RETALIN) 5-10 mg BD

Methylxanthines: Theophylline, caffeine etc.

III.Convulsants

Strychnine, picrotoxin, pentylenetetrazol etc.

IV.Cerebroactive drugs

Pyritinol (ENCEPHABOL) 100-200 mg TDS, 200-400 mg IV

Piracetam (CERECETAM) 50 mg/kg TDS

Dihydroergotoxine (HYDERGINE) 3-6 mg/day

Nicergoline (SERMION) 30 mg OD-BD

Piribedil (TRIVASTAL) 50 mg OD-BD

Nimodipine (NIMODIP) 2 mg/hr IV infusion

CNS

Stimulants