Caffeine citrate (By mouth)

Introduction

Caffeine Citrate (KAF-een SIT-rate)

Treats breathing problems in premature babies.

Brand Name(s)

Cafcit, Novaplus Caffeine Citrate

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

• Your child's doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to give to your child and how often. Do not use more medicine or give it more often than the doctor tells you to.
• Each bottle (vial) of this medicine is for one use only.
• Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to give your child the medicine, give it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your child's next dose, wait until then to give the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Do not use the medicine if it has changed color or has anything floating in it. Throw the vial away and get a fresh one. Call your doctor or pharmacist.
• Throw away any medicine that is left over in the vial after you have given the proper dose to your child.
• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Never give this medicine to a child it was not prescribed for.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure the doctor knows if your child is also receiving cimetidine (Tagamet®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), phenobarbital (Luminal®, Donnatal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or theophylline.
• Tell the doctor if the child's mother consumed any caffeine within a few hours before giving birth.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your child's doctor knows about any seizures, kidney problems, liver problems, blood sugar problems, or heart problems your child has had.
• If your child continues to have breathing problems after receiving this medicine, call the child's doctor for instructions. Do not give the child more medicine.
• The doctor will need to check your child's blood at regular visits while the child is receiving this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Bloated stomach, blood in the stools, feeding problems, vomit that is yellow in color, low body temperature
• Decrease or increase in the number of wet diapers in a day
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever
• Seizures
• Unusual body or muscle movements
• Unusual trouble sleeping, eating less than normal, irritability

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Fussiness, restlessness, or excessive crying

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088