Information about Caffeine

Generic Name : Caffeine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Caffeine are provided here.

Pronunciation : cah-FEEN

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Caffeine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y50.8 Therapeutic Classification : Central Nervous System Stimulants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Caffeine

India :

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International :

Cafcit .

Why is Caffeine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication stimulates the brain; hence it is used as a central nervous stimulant. It is used along with analgesics and/or ergotamine for migraine (severe headaches with nausea). It is also used for a breathing condition (apnea) in premature infants.

When should Caffeine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Do not administer solutions containing sodium benzoate to children.

What is the dosage of Caffeine?

It may be administered orally at a dose of 100-200 mg , repeated after 3-4 hours as needed. For apnea in premature babies, it is administered intravenously or orally at an initial dose of 20 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg/day.

How should Caffeine be taken?

It comes as a tablet, capsule to take by mouth. It is also available in injection, administered by the healthcare providers, directly into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Caffeine?

• While taking this medication avoid drinking excess amount of caffeine- containing drinks.

• Though caffeine may increase alertness, it can cause dizziness. Hence avoid doing anything that requires concentration and can cause disability or death in case of an accident, e.g. driving a car or operating machinery.

• It is not to be used as a substitute for sleep.

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems (peptic ulcer), seizures, during pregnancy and breast feeding.

What are the side effects of Caffeine?

Central Nervous System- Confusion, dizziness, sleeplessness, restlessness, excitement, nervousness, tinnitus, light depression and fatigue, visual disturbance, muscular tremor, headache, lightheadedness, seizures.
Heart- Fast heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm.
Gastrointestinal- Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, gastritis.
Skin- Rash, dry skin.
Genitourinary- Increased urination.
Metabolic- Low sugar.
Respiratory- Difficulty in breathing.
Miscellaneous- Hypersensitivity (eg, dermatitis, rhinitis, bronchial asthma), feeding intolerance, sepsis, accidental injury, stroke.
In premature infants, caffeine in addition may cause the following side effects- Skin breakdown, damage to the retina of the eye, bleeding from gastrointestinal tract, kidney failure, increased clotting of blood, acidosis, accumulation of water in the lungs and bleeding in the brain.