This medication is used for the short-term treatment of
a breathing problem (apnea) in premature infants. Caffeine blocks certain
proteins (adenosine receptors) which lead to improved breathing in these
infants.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This medication is also a stimulant that may be used to
keep you awake and alert.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start giving this drug and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by mouth or through a feeding
tube with or without formula as directed by the doctor, usually once daily.
The dosage is based on your infant's weight, medical conditions, and
response to treatment. Carefully measure each dose with the provided dosing
syringe.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Because this product does not contain preservatives,
discard any unused medicine after preparing the dose for your
infant.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each
day.
If your infant's condition lasts or gets worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, trouble
sleeping, restlessness, poor feeding, increased urination, rash or dry skin
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
In rare (sometimes, fatal) cases, this medication has
been associated with a serious stomach condition (necrotizing
enterocolitis). Tell your doctor right away if your infant experiences the
following:
- lack of energy (lethargy)
- severe vomiting
- stomach/abdominal bloating (distension)
- bloody stool
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking caffeine citrate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if your infant is allergic to it; or if your infant has any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your infant's medical history, especially of:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- stomach problems (such as peptic ulcers, necrotizing
enterocolitis)
- seizures
Infants may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially the stimulant effects (such as trouble sleeping,
restlessness, nervousness).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially trouble sleeping.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- adenosine
- cimetidine
- dipyridamole
- fluvoxamine
- lithium
- theophylline
- vemurafenib
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach
pain, anxiety, agitation, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, frequent
urination, muscle twitching, ringing in the ears, trouble sleeping, and
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as caffeine levels, blood
sugars) should be done while your infant is taking this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.