Caffeine

Indications

Caffeine is used for: Migraine, Mild stimulant of the central nervous system, Short-term treatment of neonatal apnoea of prematurity

Adult Dose

Oral Migraine Adult: 100 mg in combination with ergotamine. Mild stimulant of the central nervous system Adult: 50-100 mg up to 200 mg. Not to be taken more often than 3 hrly. Max: 1 g/day. Max Dosage: 1 g daily.

Child Dose

Intravenous Short-term treatment of neonatal apnoea of prematurity Child: As citrate: 20 mg/kg (equivalent to 10 mg/kg caffeine) via IV infusion. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg daily. May also be given orally.

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

Peptic ulceration; symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and/or palpitations; 1st several days to wk after an acute MI; neonates; pregnancy; lactation.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Caffeine : Insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, mild delirium; nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation.

Mechanism of Action

Caffeine, a methylxanthine, is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It has an antagonistic effect at central adenosine receptors. It is a CNS and resp stimulant. It has bronchodilating and diuretic properties and it facilitates the performance of muscular work.