Cafcit

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

Brand Names: Cafcit

What is caffeine citrate?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about caffeine citrate?

Caffeine citrate should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

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 without 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.

Call your doctor if the child's breathing symptoms do not improve after using caffeine citrate.

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 appointments.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking caffeine citrate?

Caffeine citrate should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

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

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  seizures;

  
  


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  heart disease;

  
  


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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease; or

  
  


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  high or low blood sugar.

  
  

If your child has any of these conditions, he or she may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby and should not be taken by a woman who is pregnant. Caffeine citrate should also not be taken by a woman who is breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take caffeine citrate?

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 without 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.

Do not use the medication if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Call your doctor if the child's breathing symptoms do not improve after using caffeine citrate.

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 appointments.

Store the medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not open a bottle of caffeine citrate until you are ready to give the dose. This medication contains no preservatives.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have given your child too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, sleep problems, fussiness, or excessive crying.

What should I avoid while taking caffeine citrate?

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

Caffeine citrate side effects

Get emergency medical help if your child has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using caffeine citrate and call your doctor at once if your child has any of these serious side effects:

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  stomach pain, tenderness, bloating,

  
  


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  constipation or diarrhea;

  
  


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  green-colored vomit;

  
  


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  blood in the stools;

  
  


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  unusual weakness;

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements; or

  
  


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  fever, fast or slow heart rate.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include sleep problems, loss of appetite, fussiness, or excessive crying.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect caffeine citrate?

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

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  cimetidine (Tagamet);

  
  


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  ketoconazole (Nizoral);

  
  


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  phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

  
  


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  phenytoin (Dilantin); or

  
  


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

  
  

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.

More Cafcit resources

• Cafcit Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cafcit Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Cafcit Drug Interactions
• Cafcit Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Cafcit - Add your own review/rating

• Cafcit Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cafcit Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Cafcit Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Caffeine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Caffeine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Caffeine; Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate Injection; Caffeine Citrate Monograph (AHFS DI)

Compare Cafcit with other medications

• Apnea of Prematurity
• Hypersomnia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about caffeine citrate.

See also: Cafcit side effects (in more detail)