Caffeine Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Caffeine Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Alert, Cafcit, Caffedrine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Keep Alert, Lucidex, No Doz, NoDoz Maximum Strength, Pep-Back Peak Performance, Stat Awake, Stay Awake, Verv, Vivarin, Wakespan

What is this medicine?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) is a stimulant. It is used to increase mental alertness or wakefulness when tired or sleepy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anxiety
• colitis
• diabetes
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• panic attacks
• peptic ulcer disease
• seizure
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. You can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 12 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine
• ketoconazole
• ketoprofen
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or drinks while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause you to feel nervous, irritable, or to have a rapid heart beat or trouble sleeping.

This medicine is for occasional use only. It is not intended for use as a substitute for sleep. If fatigue or drowsiness continues, see a doctor. If you have been taking this medicine regularly, you can get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. You may feel tired, dizzy, nervous, or have a headache.

Do not take this medicine close to when you want to sleep.

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before you take any other over-the-counter medicines, especially cold and allergy medicines.

Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice; this may increase the effects of caffeine.