Caffeine
- SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Cafcit (Bedford); Coffea arabica; Coffea canephora; Coffea robusta; Cola acuminata; Thea sinensis; Theobroma cacao
- INDICATIONS: With ergotamine for migraine, with NSAIDs in analgesics, headache, respiratory depression in neonates, postprandial hypotension, enhances seizure duration in electroconvulsive therapy; ingredient in cough and cold remedies
- SYNONYM: Rubiales
- CLASS: Diuretic, Xanthine alkaloid
- HALF-LIFE: 2–7 hours
Aminophylline, Carbamazepine, Cimetidine, Clozapine, Cocoa, Ephedra, Ferrous Sulfate, Fluorides, Ginseng, Guarana, Idrocilamide, Ketoconazole, Ketoprofen, Levomepromazine, Linezolid, Methoxsalen, Mexiletine, Norfloxacin, Phenobarbital, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenytoin, Regadenoson, Terbinafine, Teriflunomide, Zonisamide
PREGNANCY CATEGORY: C
Caffeine is an addictive psychoactive substance. Spontaneous abortion and low birthweight babies have occurred in pregnant women consuming 150 mg caffeine per day. Abuse can lead to cardiac damage or death.
See also separate profile for guarana.
Common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are headache; drowsiness; yawning, impaired concentration; lassitude; irritability; decreased contentedness, well-being and self-confidence; decreased sociability; flu-like symptoms; muscle aches and stiffness; hot or cold spells; nausea or vomiting; and blurred vision.
Cafcit is caffeine citrate.
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Page last updated 07/31/2023
Symbol key
Incidence 
- <1%
- 1-5%
- 5-10%
- 10-15%
- 15-20%
- 20-30%
- >30%
Seriousness
- Hospitalization possible
- Life threatening
- Fatal
Warnings in other populations
- Breast feeding
- Geriatric
- Pediatric
