Caffeine injection
What is caffeine injection?
CAFFEINE (Cafcit) 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 if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. The injection will be given by a health-care professional.
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 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
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.
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will not be given caffeine injection for use at home.
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