Caffeine injection
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What is caffeine injection?
CAFFEINE (Cafcit®, Neocaf®) injection is given to premature infants or newborns who are having problems breathing (this is called apnea). Caffeine helps stimulate and improve breathing in these babies. Generic caffeine injection is not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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?
In infants, caffeine is usually infused into a vein using a special pump once every 24 hours at a regular scheduled time by a trained health care professional in the hospital. Once the infant is stable or eating properly, the caffeine injection will be changed to a solution that is given by mouth.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with caffeine?
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• clarithromycin
• clozapine
• ephedra, Ma huang
• erythromycin
• female hormones, like estrogen or birth control pills
• fluvoxamine
• 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 should I watch for while taking caffeine?
Caffeine is not intended for long-term use. It is usually only prescribed for a few weeks. 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.
What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine?
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
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will not be given caffeine injection for use at home.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
