Analeptic
Encyclopedia
An analeptic, in medicine
, is a central nervous system
stimulant
medication. The term analeptic may also refer specifically to a respiratory analeptic (for example, doxapram
), a drug that acts on the central nervous system to stimulate the breathing muscles, improving respiration.
Historically, the term has referred to "a restorative, or remedies proper to restore the body, when wasted or emaciated by disease or hunger."
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, is a central nervous system
Central nervous system
The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
stimulant
Stimulant
Stimulants are psychoactive drugs which induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both. Examples of these kinds of effects may include enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion, among others...
medication. The term analeptic may also refer specifically to a respiratory analeptic (for example, doxapram
Doxapram
Doxapram hydrochloride is a respiratory stimulant. Administered intravenously, doxapram stimulates an increase in tidal volume, and respiratory rate.-Mode of action:...
), a drug that acts on the central nervous system to stimulate the breathing muscles, improving respiration.
Historically, the term has referred to "a restorative, or remedies proper to restore the body, when wasted or emaciated by disease or hunger."