Caffeine(kaf een’)
Caffedrine, Enerjets, Fastlene, Keep Alert, Keep Going, Molie, NoDoz, Overtime, Stay Awake, Valentine, Vivarin
caffeine citrate
Cafcit
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Analeptic
CNS stimulant
Xanthine
Therapeutic Actions
Increases calcium permeability in sarcoplasmic reticulum, promotes the accumulation of cAMP, and blocks adenosine receptors; stimulates the CNS, cardiac activity, gastric acid secretion, and diuresis.
Indications
An aid in staying awake and restoring mental awareness
Adjunct to analgesic formulations
IM: Possibly an analeptic in conjunction with supportive measures to treat respiratory depression associated with overdose with CNS depressants
Caffeine citrate: Short-term treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and 33-wk gestation
Unlabeled uses: Headache, obesity, alcohol intoxication, postprandial hypotension
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with duodenal ulcers, diabetes mellitus, lactation.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, renal or hepatic impairment, depression, CV disease.
Available Forms
Tablets—200 mg; capsules—200 mg; lozenges—75 mg; injection—250 mg/mL; caffeine citrate injection and oral solution—20 mg/mL
Dosages
20 mg caffeine citrate = 10 mg caffeine base; use caution.
Adults
100–200 mg PO every 3–4 hr as needed.
Respiratory depression: 500 mg–1 g caffeine and sodium benzoate (250–500 mg caffeine) IM; do not exceed 2.5 g/day; may be given IV in severe emergency situation.
Pediatric patients
Neonatal apnea: 20 mg/kg IV over 30 min followed 24 hours later by 5 mg/kg/day IV over 10 min or PO as maintenance (CAFCIT).
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