Caffeine Citrate Oral solution

Brand Names: Keep Alert, Verv, Pep-Back Peak Performance, Vivarin, Stat Awake, Wakespan, Alert, Caffeine Anhydrous, Caffedrine, Lucidex, See more brands »

Brand Names: Keep Alert, Verv, Pep-Back Peak Performance, Vivarin, Stat Awake, Wakespan, Alert, Caffeine Anhydrous, Caffedrine, Lucidex, NoDoz Maximum Strength, No Doz, Stay AwakeSee fewer brands »

What is this medicine?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) is a stimulant. It is used to help premature babies to breathe more regularly.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• anemia
• colitis
• heart disease
• infection
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Give this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked oral syringe to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Do not give this medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn 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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine
• ketoconazole
• ketoprofen
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay 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 medicine?

Visit your doctor as directed. Tell the doctor or healthcare professional if your child's breathing does not start to get better or if it gets worse. The doctor may order important blood work.

If you are breast-feeding an infant who is taking this medicine, watch your diet. Avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine, like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. Some of the caffeine you eat will pass to the infant with breast-feeding.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects in your infant that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bloated stomach
• bloody, dark stools
• breathing problems
• fever
• infection
• irregular heartbeat
• irritable, fussy
• not eating or sleeping like usual
• seizure
• trembling
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually quiet, not responsive
• vomiting

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

• dry skin
• frequent passing of urine

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 medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or discolored. Throw away any open solution after each dose. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.