Doxapram HCl (hydrochloride) is a short-acting respiratory stimulant that works by activating the brain's breathing center (medulla) and peripheral chemoreceptors, used to treat shallow breathing from anesthesia or COPD flare-ups, and to speed recovery in animals after anesthesia. It rapidly increases tidal volume and respiratory rate, but has side effects like increased blood pressure, heart rate changes, and neurological symptoms, and is incompatible with alkaline solutions like aminophylline, so it must be used carefully.