caffeine
Indication
- Treatment of apnea of prematurity
Dosage Guidelines
- Loading dose: 10 mg/kg IV/oral (as caffeine base)
- Maintenance dose: 2.5-5 mg/kg/dose IV/oral (as caffeine base) daily to start 24 hours after the loading dose
Administration
- IV intermittent slow infusion over 30 minutes
- Oral
Adverse Effects
- Tachycardia, tachypnea, jitteriness, hyperreflexia, gastric irritation and vomiting
- Seizures have been seen with toxic levels, arrhythmias and increased diuresis
Comments
- Half-life 40 to 230 hours in preterm infants
- Tolerance may develop to diuretic and CNS effects
- If resting heart rate is greater than 18O beats/min, consult with MD/NP before administering dose
Supplied As
10 mg/mL caffeine (base) present as caffeine citrate in IV syringes prepared by Pharmacy
10 mg/mL caffeine base oral liquid
References
Lexi Sick Kids, Lexi Peds and Neofax