Drug
Caffeine citrate
A methylxanthine that stimulates breathing in preterm infants and reduces episodes of apnea of prematurity.
- Class
- Methylxanthine; a respiratory stimulant related to theophylline
- Mechanism
- Raises the drive from the brainstem respiratory center, increases the response to carbon dioxide, and strengthens diaphragm contraction, so breathing pauses become less frequent.
- Main uses
- Apnea of prematurity
- Prevention of apnea in preterm infants at risk
- Key side effects
- Tachycardia
- Jitteriness or irritability
- Feeding intolerance
- Key cautions
- High exposure can cause convulsions, restlessness and tachycardia
- Feeding and weight are monitored during treatment
Educational use only. This card gives no doses.