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Indications & Uses
Caffeine Citrate is used to treat apnea of prematurity.
Pharmacology
Caffeine is structurally related to other methylxanthines, theophylline and theobromine. It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, stimulates the CNS and the cardiac muscle, and also acts as a diuretic. How caffeine works in apnea of prematurity is not known, but several mechanisms have been suggested. These include stimulation of the respiratory center, increased minute ventilation, a decreased threshold to hypercapnia, increased response to hypercapnia, increased skeletal muscle tone, decreased diaphragmatic fatigue, increased metabolic rate and increased oxygen consumption. Most of these effects have been attributed to antagonism of adenosine receptors by caffeine, both A1 and A2 subtypes.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Loading dose of Caffeine Citrate: 20 mg/kg. Give it as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes using a syringe infusion pump. It is given one time only.
Maintenance dose: 5 mg/kg, also as an intravenous infusion with a syringe infusion pump, but over 10 minutes. Repeat it every 24 hours, beginning 24 hours after the loading dose.
In the clinical trial, treatment of apnea of prematurity was limited to 10 to 12 days. The safety and efficacy of caffeine citrate for longer periods of treatment have not been established.
Discard any vial that contains visible particulate matter. The vials are for single use only, so discard any unused solution.
Side Effects
A few cases of sepsis, hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, acidosis and cerebral hemorrhage have been reported with Caffeine Citrate. Dyspnea, lung edema, dry skin, rash, skin breakdown and kidney failure were also reported in a small number of cases.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Doctors should use Caffeine Citrate with caution in infants who have seizure disorders, cardiovascular disease, or poor kidney or liver function. In these infants, the serum concentration of caffeine needs to be monitored, and the dose of Caffeine Citrate should be adjusted so that toxicity is avoided.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Caffeine Citrate falls under Pregnancy Category C. Caffeine passes into breast milk. So if a newborn infant is being treated with Caffeine Citrate, the breast-feeding mother should not take foods, beverages or medicinal products that contain caffeine.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Serious toxicity with Caffeine Citrate has been linked to serum levels above 50 mg/L. In preterm infants, the signs and symptoms reported after an overdose include fever, tachypnea, insomnia, tremor, hypertonia, seizures, vomiting, hyperglycemia, raised blood urea nitrogen and a raised total leukocyte concentration. Caffeine Citrate levels have been shown to fall after exchange transfusions. If convulsions occur, they may be treated with intravenous diazepam or a barbiturate such as pentobarbital sodium.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Caffeine Citrate below 30°C and away from light. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Neocafen 20 mg/ml
What is Neocafen 20 mg/ml IV Injection?
Neocafen 20 mg/ml IV Injection is a medicine that contains Caffeine Citrate. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Painkiller Muscle Relaxant group of medicines.
What is Neocafen used for?
Caffeine Citrate is used to treat apnea of prematurity.
What are the side effects of Neocafen?
A few cases of sepsis, hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, acidosis and cerebral hemorrhage have been reported with Caffeine Citrate. Dyspnea, lung edema, dry skin, rash, skin breakdown and kidney failure were also reported in a small number of cases.
Can I take Neocafen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Caffeine Citrate falls under Pregnancy Category C. Caffeine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Neocafen?
Serious toxicity with Caffeine Citrate has been linked to serum levels above 50 mg/L. In preterm infants, the signs and symptoms reported after an overdose include fever, tachypnea, insomnia, tremor, hypertonia, seizures, vomiting, hyperglycemia, raised blood urea nitrogen and a raised total leukocyte concentration. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Neocafen?
Store Caffeine Citrate below 30°C and away from light. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Neocafen?
Some medicines can interact with Caffeine Citrate, for example: Phenytoin, Theophylline, Phenobarbitone, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Neocafen?
Neocafen is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.