By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > CNS stimulants > Caffeine
CNS stimulants

Caffeine

https://themeditary.com/drug/caffeine-7289.html
Medically Reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm TheMediTary.Com | Reviewed: Aug 15, 2023  Additional Content by TheMediTary.Com

Generic name: caffeine

Drug class: CNS stimulants

Availability: Rx and/or otc

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Cafcit (injection/oral liquid), No doz, Pep-back peak performance, Stay awake, Vivarin

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions FAQ
  • Caffeine (Caffeine)-44 226-Caffeine 200 mg-Yellow-Round Caffeine Caffeine 200 mg (44 226)
  • Caffeine (Caffeine)-TCL 343-200 mg-Yellow-Round Caffeine 200 mg (TCL 343)
  • Caffeine (Caffeine)-212 212-200 mg-Orange-Round Caffeine 200 mg (212 212)
  • View all images

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by stimulating the brain. Caffeine is found naturally in foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, energy and chocolate. Botanical sources of caffeine include kola nuts, guarana, and yerba mate. Caffeine is also available in prescription and non-prescription medications.

Caffeine is used to restore mental alertness or wakefulness during fatigue or drowsiness. Caffeine is also found in some headache and migraine medications, in certain dietary supplements used for weight loss, and in many popular energy drinks.

Caffeine citrate (Cafcit) is available by prescription only. It is used for short-term treatment of neonatal apnea (breathing problems).

Caffeine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Do NOT use caffeine:

  • if you are allergic to any ingredient in caffeine or caffeine products
  • in children less than 12 years of age; over-the-counter (OTC) caffeine formulations are not proven safe and effective for use in this age group
  • as a substitute for sleep

Warnings

  • Caffeine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery, or engage in dangerous tasks until you know how caffeine might affect you.
  • Avoid large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, energy drinks and chocolate if you are taking higher doses of caffeine tablets. This also includes any herbal, dietary, or prescription medications that contain caffeine.
  • Caffeine is not to be used as a substitute for sleep.
  • Caffeine use may alter blood sugar levels. Diabetes patients should more closely regulate their blood sugar while taking caffeine.
  • Caffeine is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
  • If you are pregnant, discuss with your health care provider if caffeine is appropriate for your use.
  • Caffeine is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your health care provider about the risks of using caffeine while you are breast-feeding. Caffeine may cause side effects in your baby.

How should I use Caffeine

Use caffeine as directed by your health care provider. If the medication is OTC, check the label on the bottle for the exact dosing instructions. If you have any questions about the use of an OTC medication, ask your pharmacist.
  • Caffeine may be taken with or without food. If caffeine upsets your stomach, take it with food.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose of caffeine. Caffeine can be habit-forming.
  • Most OTC medications used for mental alertness contain 200 milligrams of caffeine per tablet or capsule. The usual maximum recommended dose of OTC caffeine is no more than 200 mg every 3-4 hours, or 1600 mg per day.
  • Do not double-up on your caffeine dose if you should miss the time for next dose.
  • The average cup of coffee contains 150-200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per cup, while a cup of tea will have about 60 mg of caffeine. Cola products have about 30-40 mg of caffeine, and most energy drinks have about 60-70 mg. Be sure to account for any dietary caffeine that is consumed.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use caffeine.

Detailed Caffeine dosage information
Caffeine Dosage information (more detail)

Before Taking

Some medical conditions may interact with caffeine. Tell your health care provider if you have ANY medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you have allergies to caffeine, other medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, or herbal or dietary supplement
  • if you have anxiety, agitation or nervousness, liver or stomach (ulcer) problems, insomnia (trouble sleeping), seizures (convulsions), or heart disease, especially any abnormal heart rhythms or high blood pressure
  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
Drug interactions may occur with caffeine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • Quinolones (i.e., ciprofloxacin)
  • Theophyllines
  • Duloxetine
  • Ephedra or Guarana
  • Rasagiline
  • Tizanidine

This is NOT a complete drug interaction list. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine. A complete drug interaction check should be completed prior to your use of caffeine or any medication.

Caffeine pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

What happens if I overdose?

  • immediately contact your local poison control center, or emergency room
  • call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers).

Symptoms of overdose may include agitation; anxiety; confusion; frequent urination; irregular or fast heartbeat; muscle twitching; ringing in the ears; seizures; stomach pain; trouble sleeping.

Caffeine side effects

  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • nervousness or anxiety
  • irritability
  • nausea
  • headache

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

  • serious allergic reactions (difficult breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, rash, hives, or itching)
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • rapid heart rate or palpitations
  • increased blood pressure
  • chest pain

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects.

See more: Caffeine Side Effects

More FAQ

Acetaminophen/Butalbital/Caffeine - Can I take this medication for a back ache due to menstrual?
Acetaminophen/Butalbital/Caffeine - Will I fail a drug test with this medicine?
View more FAQ

More about Caffeine (Caffeine)

Dosage information
Caffeine Side Effects
During pregnancy
Drug images
Side effects
Breastfeeding Warnings
Drug class: CNS stimulants

Patient resources

Caffeine Capsules and Tablets
Caffeine Citrate Injection Solution
Caffeine Citrate Oral Solution

Related treatment guides

Drowsiness
Asthma
Apnea of Prematurity
Share this Article
Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions FAQ
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by