What is this medication?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) treats apnea, a condition that causes short pauses in breathing, in premature babies. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by stimulating the breathing center in the brain, which helps the lungs breathe consistently. It may also open the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cafcit

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anemia
• Colitis
• Heart disease
• Infection
• Irregular heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Give this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Do not give this medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Cimetidine
• Ketoconazole
• Ketoprofen
• Medications for colds or breathing difficulties
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team as directed. Tell the care team if your child's breathing does not start to get better or if it gets worse. The care team may order important blood work.

If you are breast-feeding an infant who is taking this medication, watch your diet. Avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine, like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate. Some of the caffeine you eat or drink will pass to the infant with breast-feeding.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Swelling of the stomach, poor feeding, fussiness, unusual weakness or fatigue, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting, which may be signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Poor feeding
• Tremors or shaking

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not use this medication if it is cloudy or discolored. Get rid of any open solution after each dose. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.