This kind of stimulation is continued until the baby is clearly trying to breathe again. If the baby remains pale or bluish, oxygen may be given to her. Occasionally the baby may be given some breaths with a bag filled with oxygen to help her start breathing again. Medications Several medications can stimulate the part of the brain that controls breathing and can reduce the number of apnea spells. Aminophylline and theophylline are the most commonly used drugs.
Caffeine can also be very effective and is given by mouth.
Side effects from the medication are usually mild. They include fast heart rate, throwing up, and irritability. The levels of medication in the blood can be measured and the dosage adjusted to get just the right level and avoid most side effects. The baby keeps getting medication until he has outgrown the apnea. The more immature a baby is, the more frequent and severe the apnea can be.