Caffeine Injection

What is this medication?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) treats apnea, a condition that causes short pauses in breathing, in premature babies. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by stimulating the breathing center in the brain, which helps the lungs breathe consistently. It may also open the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cafcit

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Heart disease
• Infection
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low red blood cell levels
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns 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?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Cimetidine
• Ketoconazole
• Ketoprofen
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying 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 medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Swelling of the stomach, poor feeding, fussiness, unusual weakness or fatigue, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting, which may be signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Poor feeding
• Tremors or shaking

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.