Drug Detail:Caffeine/caffeine and sodium benzoate (monograph) (Medically reviewed)
Drug Class:
Usual Adult Dose for Respiratory Failure
- 500 mg via IM injection as frequently as directed by a physician.
- Maximum Single Dose: 1 gram
- Maximum Total Dose in 24 Hours: Should rarely exceed 2.5 grams
Comments:
- Administer via slow IV injection in emergency respiratory failure cases.
- 500 mg of this drug contains about 250 mg of anhydrous caffeine.
- Analeptic use of caffeine is strongly discouraged by most clinicians because of questionable benefit and transient action.
Use: In conjunction with supportive measures, treatment for respiratory depression associated with overdosage of CNS depressants (e.g., narcotic analgesics, alcohol) and with electric shock.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established, and this drug and the manufacturer labeling have not been approved by the FDA.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Storage Requirements:
- Store at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 Fahrenheit).
General:
- IV doses of 57 mg/kg and oral doses of 18.5 grams have been fatal in adults.
- Convulsions caused by overdosage may be treated with IV diazepam or a barbiturate (e.g., pentobarbital sodium).