• Apnea of prematurity:
    • Premature infants: IV 20mg/kg/dose *1, then after 24h, PO/IV 5mg/kg/dose OD
  • Injection:
    • 20mg/mL
    • 5mg/mL
  • Infuse loading dose over at least 30 minutes
  • Maintenance dose may be infused over at least 10 minutes
  • May administer without dilution.
  • Not recommended for use for >12 days

Central Nervous System Stimulant; Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Inhibitor

It works by blocking the action of adenosine and phosphodiesterase, leading to stimulation of the brain and respiratory system in premature newborns. This reduces the number of episodes of interrupted breathing and helps the newborns breathe on their own.

  • Feeding intolerance
  • Rash
  • Sepsis
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Hemorrhage
  • Cerebral hemorrhage
  • Gastritis
  • GI bleeding
  • DIC
  • Renal failure
  • Acidosis
  • Dyspnea
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Abnormal healing
  • Xeroderma
  • Skin atrophy
  • Retinopathy of prematurity
  • Photosensitivity
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hypersensitivity to components
  • Anxiety
  • Tremor
  • Agitation
  • Fezolinetant

                                   Drug Status

Availability Prescription only
Pregnancy Not applicable
Breastfeeding Not applicable
Schedule Not controlled
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Caffeine Citrate Solution 5mg/mL Injection 10’s Macarthys Labs/ Martindale Laborex Kenya
Caffeine Citrate Solution 20mg/mL Injection 10’s Macarthys Labs/ Martindale Laborex Kenya