Caffeine oral solution

What is this medicine?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) is a stimulant. It is used to help premature babies to breathe more regularly.

How should I use this medicine?

Give this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked oral syringe 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 medicine. Use exactly as directed. Do not give this medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloated stomach

• bloody, dark stools

• breathing problems

• fever

• infection

• irregular heartbeat

• irritable, fussy

• not eating or sleeping like usual

• seizure

• trembling

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually quiet, not responsive

• vomiting

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

• dry skin

• frequent passing of urine

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

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

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine

• ketoconazole

• ketoprofen

• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

• theophylline

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

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