Caffeine (Caffeine)
Overview of Caffeine
Caffeine is a mild CNS stimulant. It increases the alertness and is useful in staying awake. Caffeine is a 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. its major sources are beverages (tea, cocoa and coffee). Caffeine is probably the most widely used social drug worldwide. Caffeine is used in combination to relieve vascular headaches. Caffeine is used paraenterally for the treatment of respiratory depression.
Indication of Caffeine
Caffeine is primarily indicated in conditions like Apnoea of prematurity, CNS stimulation, Headache, Migraine, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Asthma, Lumbar puncture headache.
Contraindication of Caffeine
Caffeine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia,Peptic ulcer.
Side Effects of Caffeine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Caffeine, which give rise to further complications include Tachycardia, Caffeinism, Irregular fever, Insomnia, Anorexia, Anxiety, Irritability, CNS stimulation, Diuresis, Tachycardia.,Caffeine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Tinnitus, Nausea, Vomiting, Tachycardia, Hypersensitivity, Restlessness, Agitation, Anxiety, Diuresis, Palpitation, Shock, Urticaria, Hyperglycemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Caffeine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Caffeine include Tachycardia, Emesis, Diuresis, CNS stimulation, Metabolic acidosis, Ketosis, Hyperglycemia, Acetonuria.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Caffeine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Irritability, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Anxiety, Restlessness, Tremors, Insomnia, Epigastric pain.
Precautions of Caffeine
Caffeine should be used with caution in diabetic patients because it may produced hyperglycemia, in anxiety disorder or panic disorder because it can aggrevate these conditions, in hepatic disease or hepatic impairment and during pregnancy and breast feeding.