Caffeine is a drug of the methylxanthine class used for a variety of purposes, including certain respiratory conditions of the premature newborn, pain relief, and to combat drowsiness. Caffeine is similar in chemical structure to [Theophylline] and [Theobromine].[A187691,L9851] It can be sourced from coffee beans, but also occurs naturally in various teas and cacao beans, which are different than coffee beans.[T716] Caffeine is also used in a variety of cosmetic products and can be administered topically, orally, by inhalation, or by injection.[T716] The caffeine citrate injection, used for apnea of the premature newborn, was initially approved by the FDA in 1999.[L9863] According to an article from 2017, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide. This correlates to about 1 in 10 births. Premature birth can lead to apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that interferes with lung development and may eventually cause asthma or early onset emphysema in those born prematurely.[A187694] Caffeine is beneficial in preventing and treating apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns, improving the quality of life of premature infants.[T716]
Synonyms
Caffeine citrate
Caffeinum
Thein
1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine
Teína
Koffein
1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Coffein
Guaranine
3,7-Dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purin-2,6-dion
Theine
Anhydrous caffeine
Caffeine
Mateína
1-methyltheobromine
1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
Caféine
7-methyltheophylline
Cafeína
Coffeinum
Methyltheobromine
Brand Names
Citramon
Acetaminophen Headache Ultra Relief
Dolomine 37
dihydrocodeine bitartrate and aspirin and caffeine DC
Butalbital, Aspirin, Caffeine and Codeine Phosphate
Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Codeine Phosphate
Rx Act headache formula added strength
Vtol LQ
Extra Strength Tylenol Total Cough, Cold & Flu
BioElectro Extra Strength Daytime Pain Relief
Instantine - Tablets
Panlor SS
Orphengesic Forte
Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief
Berkley and Jensen Migraine Formula
Cafergot Sup
Dg Health Headache Relief Added Strength
Dolgic Plus
Good Sense Headache Relief
Madelon
Acetaminophen-caffeine-codeine
Esgic-Plus
Extra Strength Tylenol Daytime Relief
Fioricet
Novo-gesic-C8
pain relief back and body EXTRA STRENGTH
Health Mart Migraine Relief
Orphenadrine Citrate Aspirin Caffeine
Cafergot
Penzal Q
Adults Acetaminophen and Caffeine Pain Reliever Fever Reducer
Crane Safety XS Pain Relief
Anacin Extra Strength
Menstrual Complete Gelcaps
Harris Teeter Migraine Relief
Acetaminophen, Caffeine & Codeine Tablets
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Migraine Relief
Tension Headache Relief
217
Painex Tab 0.25gr
Wigraine Suppositories
Tylenol Ultra Relief
JET ALERT Regular Strength
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and 8mg Of Codeine Phosphate Tablets
Cafergot Pb Sup
Ergotamine
Sinugex 38
NoDoz Alertness Aid Maximum Strength
jet-Alert Maximum Strength Alertness Aid
Comfort-Time
Tylenol No1 Forte Tablets With Codeine
Excedrin Extra Strength Headache
Butalbital, Aspirin and Caffeine
First Aid Shot Therapy Pain relief
Darvon N Compound Pulvule 405
Acetaminophene Codeine Et Cafeine Caplets
Ercaf
Thrulife Extra Strength Headache Relief
Goodys
Quality Choice Pain Relief Powder
Extra Strength Headache Relief
Kirkland Signature Migraine Headache Relief
Handy Solutions Headache Pain Relief
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Stay Awake
Trianal C½
Exaprin-AC
MEDIQUE Back Pain Off
Acetaminophen Caffeine & 8mg Cod. Phos. Tab
Diurette Water Pills
Indication
Caffeine is indicated for the short term treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants and off label for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia caused by premature birth.[T716,L9851] In addition, it is indicated in combination with sodium benzoate to treat respiratory depression resulting from an overdose with CNS depressant drugs.[L9899] Caffeine has a broad range of over the counter uses, and is found in energy supplements, athletic enhancement products, pain relief products, as well as cosmetic products.[T716,L9854,L9872]
Categories
Alkaloids
Anorexigenic Agents & Respiratory and CNS Stimulants
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682