Cafcit

This medication is used for the short-term treatment of a breathing problem (apnea) in premature infants. Caffeine blocks certain proteins (adenosine receptors) which lead to improved breathing in these infants.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

This medication is usually given once daily by mouth or through a feeding tube; with or without formula. The dosage is based on your infant's weight, medical conditions, and response to therapy. Carefully measure each dose with the provided dosing syringe. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Because this product does not contain preservatives, discard any unused medicine after preparing the dose for your infant. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. If your infant's condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products your infant may use, especially of: adenosine, cimetidine, dipyridamole, fluvoxamine, lithium, certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), theophylline. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., caffeine levels, blood sugars) should be performed periodically to monitor your infant's progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain, anxiety, agitation, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, frequent urination, muscle twitching, ringing in the ears, trouble sleeping, and seizures.

Before taking caffeine citrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if your infant is allergic to it; or if your infant has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your infant's medical history, especially of: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems (e.g., peptic ulcers, necrotizing enterocolitis), seizures. Caution is advised when using this drug in infants because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the stimulant effects (e.g., trouble sleeping, restlessness, nervousness). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, trouble sleeping, restlessness, poor feeding, rash or dry skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, vision changes, change in the amount of urine. In rare (sometimes, fatal) cases, this medication has been associated with a serious stomach condition (necrotizing enterocolitis). Tell your doctor immediately if your infant experiences the following: lack of energy (lethargy), severe vomiting, stomach/abdominal bloating (distension), bloody stool. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication is also a stimulant that may be used to keep you awake and alert.