Caffeine

May be taken with or without food.

Symptomatic or history of cardiac arrhythmia, anxiety disorders. Concomitant use with other xanthines (e.g. theophylline).

Patient with existing or history of seizure disorders, other known CV diseases, history of peptic ulcer and/or GERD, hypertension, agitation, tremor. Patient recovering from chronic alcoholism and is taking disulfiram. Caffeine-naive and -sensitive individual. Renal and hepatic impairment. Neonates and children. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters When used for apnoea of prematurity: Rule out or properly treat other causes of apnoea (e.g. CNS disorders, primary lung disease, anaemia, sepsis, metabolic disturbances, CV abnormalities, obstructive apnoea) before initiating treatment; monitor caffeine plasma concentrations periodically during treatment (in case of incomplete clinical response or signs of toxicity); heart rate, number and severity of apnoea spells (as necessary); serum glucose periodically (in infants receiving caffeine citrate). Obtain baseline caffeine plasma concentrations before initiating treatment in neonates born to mothers who consumed large quantities of caffeine before delivery, or in neonates previously treated with theophylline. Monitor for development of necrotising enterocolitis.

Significant: Increased left ventricular output, and stroke volume, tachycardia, hyper- or hypoglycaemia, diuresis, electrolyte loss, withdrawal symptoms (e.g. tiredness, decreased alertness), increased metabolism. Cardiac disorders: Arrhythmia. Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal disturbances. Nervous system disorders: Convulsion, tremor, headache. Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia, nervousness, irritability, anxiety. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Elevated respiration.
Potentially Fatal: Necrotising enterocolitis.

Decreased elimination or clearance with cimetidine, ketoconazole, pipemidic acid or methoxsalen. Increased elimination or clearance with phenobarbital, phenytoin or disulfiram. May decrease the vasodilating effect of adenosine and dipyridamole. May enhance the tachycardic effect of phenylpropanolamine. May antagonise the effect of tranquilisers, sedatives and β-blockers (e.g. atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol). Inhibits the metabolism of clozapine. Significant CV effects with ephedrine. Concomitant use with lithium carbonate may result in small to moderate increase in serum lithium levels. May increase stimulant effects with MAOIs.

Other CNS Drugs & Agents for ADHD / Other Drugs Acting on the Respiratory System

D11AX26 - caffeine
N06BC01 - caffeine ; Belongs to the class of xanthine derivative agents. Used as CNS stimulant.