A newborn in respiratory distress is likely to receive which medication?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Theophylline
• C. Albuterol
• D. Dextrose

Answer: (B)

Newborn respiratory distress often stems from an immature respiratory drive, such as apnea of prematurity. Theophylline is a methylxanthine that helps by stimulating the brainstem’s respiratory center and increasing diaphragmatic contractility, which reduces apnea episodes and improves overall breathing. It also provides a mild bronchodilator effect, which can aid breathing further. This makes it the most directly helpful option for supporting respiration in a newborn with distress among the choices given. Epinephrine is reserved for life-threatening airway or circulatory emergencies, not routine neonatal respiratory distress; albuterol targets bronchospasm but isn’t the primary issue in prematurity-related distress; dextrose addresses low blood sugar, not breathing difficulty. Note that modern practice often favors caffeine as a safer alternative for apnea of prematurity, but theophylline is historically a standard respiratory stimulant in this context.