• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) is a stimulant. It is used to help premature babies 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, irregular heartbeat
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizure disorder
• 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?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug is prescribed for 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 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?

The doctor will follow the child's condition closely while receiving this medicine. Tell the doctor if your child's breathing does not improve or gets worse. The doctor may order important blood work.

If you are breast-feeding a child who is taking this medicine watch your diet. Avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine, like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. 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
• irritable, fussy
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• fever, infection
• 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
• feeding problems
• frequent passing of urine
• pain when injected

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?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and 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.

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.

Last Updated: March 31, 2009