Caffeine

Also known as: Methyl Theobromine, Guarinine, Trimethyl xanthine

Drug #115

Caffeine is a mild CNS stimulant. It increases the alertness and is useful in staying awake. Caffeine is a 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. its major sources are beverages (tea, cocoa and coffee). Caffeine is probably the most widely used social drug worldwide. Caffeine is used in combination to relieve vascular headaches. Caffeine is used paraenterally for the treatment of respiratory depression.

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Primary Characteristics

Caffeine is also known as Methyl Theobromine, Guarinine, Trimethyl xanthine.

It is of Natural origin and belongs to Xanthine.

It belongs to Phosphodiesterase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under CNS Stimulant .

Molecular Weight: 194.2 · pK_a: 13.9 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 60 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 130 · Non-proprietary name: Caffeine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Caffeine has an oral bioavailability is 97% (±2%).

Distribution: Caffeine has a volume of distribution is 0.58 l/kg(Adult), 0.921/kg (neonates). plasma protein binding is 35%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic, plasma half-life is 1.9-12.2 hr (adults), 40.8-231 hr (neonates).

Indications

Caffeine is primarily indicated in conditions like Apnoea of prematurity, CNS stimulation, Headache, Migraine.

Caffeine is also indicated for secondary conditions like Asthma, Lumbar puncture headache.

Contraindications

Caffeine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia, Peptic ulcer.

Dosage

Caffeine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
150 mg	150 mg	—	PO,IV
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
2.5	2.5	—	Intravenous	Maintenance
10 mg/kg	10 mg/kg	—	Intravenous	Load for Once
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	—	Oral	Maintenance, As Required
10 mg/kg	10 mg/kg	—	Oral	Load for Once
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
2.5	2.5	—	Intravenous	Maintenance
10 mg/kg	10 mg/kg	—	Intravenous	Load for Once
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	—	Oral	Maintenance, As Required
10 mg/kg	10 mg/kg	—	Oral	Load for Once

Drug Interactions

Unknown14 interactions

3 interactions

Minor1 interaction

Moderate1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Caffeine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Tachycardia , Caffeinism , Irregular fever , Insomnia , Anorexia , Anxiety , Irritability , CNS stimulation, Diuresis, Tachycardia.

Caffeine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Tinnitus, Nausea, Vomiting, Tachycardia, Anxiety, Hypersensitivity , Diuresis, Palpitation , Shock , Urticaria, Hyperglycemia, Restlessness, Agitation. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Caffeine are Tachycardia , Emesis, Diuresis, CNS stimulation, Metabolic acidosis, Ketosis, Hyperglycemia, Acetonuria .

Caffeine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Anxiety, Epigastric pain, Insomnia, Irritability, Nausea, Restlessness, Tremors, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Caffeine should be used with caution in diabetic patients because it may produced hyperglycemia, in anxiety disorder or panic disorder because it can aggrevate these conditions, in hepatic disease or hepatic impairment and during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Interference in Pathology

Caffeine may interfere in the diagnosis of Determ. of Uric Acid Conc. in bio. fluids by colorimetric method utilizing phosphotungistic acid. .

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Caps

Elixir

Oral Soln

Syrup

Syrup

25 mg/5ml 5 mg/15ml 5 mg/5ml

Tabs

10 mg 100 mg 15 mg 25 mg 30 mg 60 mg 65 mg 70 mg

Storage Conditions

Caffeine should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.7.1 — Acute migraine attack
2.25.1.1 — Oral/Parenteral antiasthmatics