Caffeine Citrate Oral solution Health Article

Generic name(s):

Caffeine Citrate Oral solution

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 help premature babies to breathe more regularly.

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:

• anemia
• colitis
• heart disease
• infection
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures
• 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?

Give this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked oral syringe to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Do not give this medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

Visit your doctor as directed. Tell the doctor or healthcare professional if your child's breathing does not start to get better or if it gets worse. The doctor may order important blood work.

If you are breast-feeding an infant who is taking this medicine, watch your diet. Avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine, like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. Some of the caffeine you eat will pass to the infant with breast-feeding.