Click on the first letter in the Drug name:

Cafcit

Generic Name: caffeine citrate (oral) (KAF een SIT rate)
Brand Names: Cafcit

What is this drug?

Caffeine citrate is a central nervous system stimulant. It also has effects on the lungs and metabolism.

Caffeine citrate is used to treat breathing problems in premature infants.

Caffeine citrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about this drug?

Before using caffeine citrate, tell the doctor if your child is allergic to any drugs, or has a seizure disorder, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or high or low blood sugar.

Do not use the medication for longer than 12 days withour the advice of your child"s doctor.

Each bottle of caffeine citrate is for one use only, even if your child does not use the entire bottle for a single dose. Throw away any medication left over in the bottle after measuring your child"s dose.

To be sure caffeine citrate is helping your child"s condition, the child"s blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking this drug?

Before using caffeine citrate, tell the doctor if your child is allergic to any drugs, or if the child has:

• seizures;

• heart disease;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• high or low blood sugar.

If your child has any of these conditions, you may not be able to use caffeine citrate, or your child may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I take this drug?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for your child. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Caffeine citrate is for short-term use only. Do not use the medication for longer than 12 days withour the advice of your child"s doctor.

Measure caffeine citrate with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Each bottle of caffeine citrate is for one use only, even if your child does not use the entire bottle for a single dose. Throw away any medication left over in the bottle after measuring your child"s dose.

To be sure caffeine citrate is helping your child"s condition, the child"s blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your child"s next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a caffeine citrate overdose may include loss of appetite, sleep problems, fussiness, or excessive crying.

What should I avoid while taking this drug?

Avoid giving the child food or drinks that contain caffeine, such as cola or chocolate milk.

This drug side effects

• stomach pain, tenderness, bloating,

• constipation or diarrhea;

• green-colored vomit;

• blood in the stools;

• unusual weakness;

• seizure (convulsions);

• twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements;

• fever, fast or slow heart rate;

Keep using caffeine citrate and talk with your doctor if your child has less serious side effects, such as sleep problems, loss of appetite, fussiness, or excessive crying.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your child.

What other drugs will affect this drug?

Before using caffeine citrate, tell your child"s doctor if the child is using any of the following drugs:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• phenytoin (Dilantin); or

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl, and others).

If your child is using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use caffeine citrate, or your child may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect caffeine citrate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are giving to your child. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your child"s doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about caffeine citrate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Caffeine citrate is available with a prescription under the brand name Cafcit. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• 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.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.