Drugs & Vitamins

Caffeine Solution Active Ingredients: Caffeine Solution Representative Names: Cafcit What is caffeine oral solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with caffeine? What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine? What should I watch for while taking caffeine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is caffeine oral solution? (Back to top) CAFFEINE (Cafcit®) oral solution is sometimes given to premature infants or newborns who are having problems breathing (this is called apnea). Caffeine helps to stimulate and improve breathing in these babies. Generic caffeine oral solution is not available, but your pharmacist may prepare the solution for the prescription. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if your infant has any of these conditions: •colitis •heart disease or irregular heartbeat •high blood pressure •kidney disease •liver disease •low blood sugar •seizure disorder •thyroid disease •trouble sleeping •an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •if your infant is breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) In infants, caffeine solution is usually given once every 24 hours at a regular scheduled time. Follow the directions on the container. Use a specially marked oral syringe provided by your prescriber or pharmacist to measure the dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not accurate. The caffeine dose is given orally (i.e., swallowed). The measured caffeine dosage may be mixed in a small amount of infant formula in a baby bottle; but the infant must drink all of the formula containing the medicine to get the proper dose. Ask your health care professional how to best give this medicine to your infant. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) 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 drug(s) may interact with caffeine? (Back to top) •cimetidine •ciprofloxacin •clarithromycin •clozapine •ephedra, Ma huang •erythromycin •female hormones, like estrogen or birth control pills •fluvoxamine •grapefruit juice •guarana •ketoconazole •lithium •medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •medicines for sleep •medicines for weight loss •phenobarbital •phenytoin •rifampin •stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate •tacrine •terbinafine •theophylline Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine? (Back to top) Side effects in your infant that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •abdomen or stomach appears bloated •changes in the color or appearance of the stools •drowsiness •irritable behavior or fussiness •fast or irregular breathing or heartbeat (palpitations) •muscle twitching •nausea and vomiting •not eating or sleeping like usual •seizures (convulsions) •trembling Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •frequent passing of urine What should I watch for while taking caffeine? (Back to top) Caffeine is not intended for long-term use. It is usually only prescribed for a few weeks. Do not increase the dose unless told to by your prescriber. Your infant's prescriber may need to monitor the levels of caffeine in your baby's blood to see if the dose is correct. Notify your prescriber if your infant's breathing does not improve or gets worse. Avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine, like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate if you are breast-feeding your infant while the infant is taking caffeine. The caffeine you eat does pass to the infant with breast-feeding and can lead to an increased caffeine level in the infant. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Throw away any unused solution in an opened Cafcit® container. Check with your pharmacist before use if the solution appears cloudy or discolored. Last Updated:11/15/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.