Both CAFCIT® (caffeine citrate) Injection for intravenous administration and CAFCIT® (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution are clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, aqueous solutions adjusted to pH 4.7. Each mL contains 20 mg caffeine citrate (equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base) prepared in solution by the addition of 10 mg caffeine anhydrous to 5.0 mg citric acid monohydrate, 8.3 mg sodium citrate dihydrate and Water for Injection. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is an odorless white crystalline powder or granule, with a bitter taste. It is sparingly soluble in water and ethanol at room temperature. The chemical name of caffeine is 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione. In the presence of citric acid it forms caffeine citrate salt in solution. The structural formula and molecular weight of caffeine citrate follows.

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Overall, the reported number of adverse events in the double-blind period of the controlled trial was similar for the CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) (caffeine citrate) and placebo groups. The following table shows adverse events that occurred in the double-blind period of the controlled trial and that were more frequent in CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) treated patients than placebo. ADVERSE EVENTS THAT OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) TREATED PATIENTS THAN PLACEBO DURING DOUBLE-BLIND THERAPY
Adverse Event (AE) CAFCIT (caffeine citrate)
N=46
n (%) Placebo
N=39
n (%) BODY AS A WHOLE   Accidental Injury 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Feeding Intolerance 4 (8.7) 2 (5.1)   Sepsis 2 (4.3) 0 (0.0) CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM   Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) DIGESTIVE SYSTEM   Necrotizing Enterocolitis 2 (4.3) 1 (2.6)   Gastritis 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM   Disseminated Intravascular 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Coagulation     METABOLIC AND NUTRITIVE DISORDERS   Acidosis 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Healing Abnormal 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) NERVOUS SYSTEM   Cerebral Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) RESPIRATORY SYSTEM   Dyspnea 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Lung Edema 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) SKIN AND APPENDAGES   Dry Skin 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0)   Rash 4 (8.7) 3 (7.7)   Skin Breakdown 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) SPECIAL SENSES   Retinopathy of Prematurity 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) UROGENITAL SYSTEM   Kidney Failure 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) In addition to the cases above, three cases of necrotizing enterocolitis were diagnosed in patients receiving CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) during the open-label phase of the study. Three of the infants who developed necrotizing enterocolitis during the trial died. All had been exposed to caffeine. Two were randomized to caffeine, and one placebo patient was “rescued” with open-label caffeine for uncontrolled apnea. Adverse events described in the published literature include: central nervous system stimulation (i.e., irritability, restlessness, jitteriness), cardiovascular effects (i.e., tachycardia, increased left ventricular output, and increased stroke volume), gastrointestinal effects (i.e., increased gastric aspirate, gastrointestinal intolerance), alterations in serum glucose (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) and renal effects (increased urine flow rate, increased creatinine clearance, and increased sodium and calcium excretion). Published long-term follow-up studies have not shown caffeine to adversely affect neurological development or growth parameters. Read the Cafcit (caffeine citrate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effectsLearn More »

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Prior to initiation of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) (caffeine citrate), baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants previously treated with theophylline, since preterm infants metabolize theophylline to caffeine. Likewise, baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants born to mothers who consumed caffeine prior to delivery, since caffeine readily crosses the placenta. The recommended loading dose and maintenance doses of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) follow.   Dose of CAFCIT Volume Dose of CAFCIT mg/kg Route Frequency Loading Dose 1 mL/kg 20 mg/kg Intravenous*
(over 30 minutes) One Time Maintenance Dose 0.25 mL/kg 5 mg/kg Intravenous*
(over 10 minutes) or Orally Every 24 hours** * using a syringe infusion pump
** beginning 24 hours after the loading dose NOTE THAT THE DOSE OF CAFFEINE BASE IS ONE-HALF THE DOSE WHEN EXPRESSED AS CAFFEINE CITRATE (e.g., 20 mg of caffeine citrate is equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base). Serum concentrations of caffeine may need to be monitored periodically throughout treatment to avoid toxicity. Serious toxicity has been associated with serum levels greater than 50 mg/L. CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Vials containing discolored solution or visible particulate matter should be discarded. Drug Compatibility T o test for drug compatibility with common intravenous solutions or medications, 20 mL of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Injection were combined with 20 mL of a solution or medication, with the exception of an Intralipid® admixture, which was combined as 80 mL/80 mL. The physical appearance of the combined solutions was evaluated for precipitation. The admixtures were mixed for 10 minutes and then assayed for caffeine. The admixtures were then continually mixed for 24 hours, with further sampling for caffeine assays at 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours. Based on this testing, CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Injection, 60 mg/3 mL is chemically stable for 24 hours at room temperature when combined with the following test products.

• Dextrose Injection, USP 5%
• 50% Dextrose Injection USP
• Intralipid® 20% IV Fat Emulsion
• Aminosyn® 8.5% Crystalline Amino Acid Solution
• Dopamine HCI Injection, USP 40 mg/mL diluted to 0.6 mg/mL with Dextrose Injection, USP 5%
• Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP 10% (0.465 mEq/Ca+2/mL)
• Heparin Sodium Injection, USP 1000 units/mL diluted to 1 unit/mL with Dextrose Injection, USP 5%
• Fentanyl Citrate Injection, USP 50 µg/mL diluted to 10 µg/mL with Dextrose Injection, USP 5%

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Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is known to be the major enzyme involved in the metabolism of caffeine. Therefore, caffeine has the potential to interact with drugs that are substrates for CYP1A2, inhibit CYP1A2, or induce CYP1A2. Few data exist on drug interactions with caffeine in preterm neonates. Based on adult data, lower doses of caffeine may be needed following coadministration of drugs which are reported to decrease caffeine elimination (e.g., cimetidine and ketoconazole) and higher caffeine doses may be needed following coadministration of drugs that increase caffeine elimination (e.g., phenobarbital and phenytoin). Caffeine administered concurrently with ketoprofen reduced the urine volume in 4 healthy volunteers. The clinical significance of this interaction in preterm neonates is not known. Interconversion between caffeine and theophylline has been reported in preterm neonates. The concurrent use of these drugs is not recommended. Read the Cafcit Drug Interactions Center for a complete guide to possible interactions Learn More »

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CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) is indicated for the short term treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and < 33 weeks gestational age.

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CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to any of its components. Last reviewed on RxList: 5/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

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Following overdose, serum caffeine levels have ranged from approximately 24 mg/L (a post marketing spontaneous case report in which an infant exhibited irritability, poor feeding and insomnia) to 350 mg/L. Serious toxicity has been associated with serum levels greater than 50 mg/L (see PRECAUTIONS - Laboratory Tests and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Signs and symptoms reported in the literature after caffeine overdose in preterm infants include fever, tachypnea, jitteriness, insomnia, fine tremor of the extremities, hypertonia, opisthotonos, tonic-clonic movements, nonpurposeful jaw and lip movements, vomiting, hyperglycemia, elevated blood urea nitrogen, and elevated total leukocyte concentration. Seizures have also been reported in cases of overdose. One case of caffeine overdose complicated by development of intraventricular hemorrhage and long-term neurological sequelae has been reported. Another case of caffeine citrate overdose (from New Zealand; not CAFCIT) of an estimated 600 mg caffeine citrate (approximately 322 mg/kg) administered over 40 minutes was complicated by tachycardia, ST depression, respiratory distress, heart failure, gastric distention, acidosis and a severe extravasation burn with tissue necrosis at the peripheral intravenous injection site. No deaths associated with caffeine overdose have been reported in preterm infants. Treatment of caffeine overdose is primarily symptomatic and supportive. Caffeine levels have been shown to decrease after exchange transfusions. Convulsions may be treated with intravenous administration of diazepam or a barbiturate such as pentobarbital sodium.

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Both CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Injection and CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution are available as clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, aqueous solutions in 3 mL colorless glass vials. The vials of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Injection are sealed with a teflonfaced gray rubber stopper and an aluminum overseal with a white flip-off polypropylene disk inset. The vials of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution are sealed with a teflon-faced gray rubber stopper and a peel-off aluminum overseal with a blue flip-off polypropylene disk inset. Both the injection and oral solution vials contain 3 mL solution at a concentration of 20 mg/mL caffeine citrate (60 mg/vial) equivalent to 10 mg/mL caffeine base (30 mg/vial). CAFCIT® (caffeine citrate) Injection NDC 0087-6011-42: 3 mL vial, individually packaged in a carton. CAFCIT® (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution NDC 0087-6111-42: 3 mL vial (NOT CHILD-RESISTANT), 10 vials per white polypropylene child resistant container. Store at 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Preservative Free. For single use only. Discard unused portion. ATTENTION PHARMACIST: Detach “Instructions for Use” from the package insert and dispense with CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution prescription. Each bottle (vial) of CAFCIT contains a total of 60 mg of caffeine citrate in 3 mL (20 mg/mL). Manufactured by: Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc., Bedford, Ohio 44146. Distributed by: Mead Johnson & Company, Evansville, IN 47721 U.S.A. Revised May 2003 Last reviewed on RxList: 5/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

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General Apnea of prematurity is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other causes of apnea (e.g., central nervous system disorders, primary lung disease, anemia, sepsis, metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular abnormalities, or obstructive apnea) should be ruled out or properly treated prior to initiation of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) . Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and in cases of caffeine overdose, seizures have been reported. CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be used with caution in infants with seizure disorders. The duration of treatment of apnea of prematurity in the placebo-controlled trial was limited to 10 to 12 days. The safety and efficacy of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) for longer periods of treatment have not been established. Safety and efficacy of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) for use in the prophylactic treatment of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or prior to extubation in mechanically ventilated infants have also not been established. Cardiovascular Although no cases of cardiac toxicity were reported in the placebo-controlled trial, caffeine has been shown to increase heart rate, left ventricular output, and stroke volume in published studies. Therefore, CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be used with caution in infants with cardiovascular disease. Renal and Hepatic Systems CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be administered with caution in infants with impaired renal or hepatic function. Serum concentrations of caffeine should be monitored and dose administration of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be adjusted to avoid toxicity in this population. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Elimination, Special Populations). Information for Patients Parents/caregivers of patients receiving CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) Oral Solution should receive the following instructions:

1. CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) does not contain any preservatives and each vial is for single use only. Any unused portion of the medication should be discarded.
2. It is important that the dose of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) be measured accurately, i.e., with a 1cc or other appropriate syringe.
3. Consult your physician if the baby continues to have apnea events; do not increase the dose of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) without medical consultation.
4. Consult your physician if the baby begins to demonstrate signs of gastroin-testinal intolerance, such as abdominal distention, vomiting, or bloody stools, or seems lethargic.
5. CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to its administration. Vials containing discolored solution or visible particulate matter should be discarded.

Laboratory Tests Prior to initiation of CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) , baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants previously treated with theophylline, since preterm infants metabolize theophylline to caffeine. Likewise, baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants born to mothers who consumed caffeine prior to delivery, since caffeine readily crosses the placenta. In the placebo-controlled clinical trial, caffeine levels ranged from 8 to 40 mg/L. A therapeutic plasma concentration range of caffeine could not be determined from the placebo-controlled clinical trial. Serious toxicity has been reported in the literature when serum caffeine levels exceed 50 mg/L. Serum concentrations of caffeine may need to be monitored periodically throughout treatment to avoid toxicity. In clinical studies reported in the literature, cases of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have been observed. Therefore, serum glucose may need to be periodically monitored in infants receiving CAFCIT (caffeine citrate) . Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In a 2-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, caffeine (as caffeine base) administered in drinking water was not carcinogenic in male rats at doses up to 102 mg/kg or in female rats at doses up to 170 mg/kg (approximately 2 and 4 times, respectively, the maximum recommended intravenous loading dose for infants on a mg/m2 basis). In an 18-month study in C57BL/6 mice, no evidence of tumorigenicity was seen at dietary doses up to 55 mg/kg (less than the max-imum recommended intravenous loading dose for infants on a mg/m2 basis). Caffeine (as caffeine base) increased the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) SCE/cell metaphase (exposure time dependent) in an in vivo mouse metaphase analysis. Caffeine also potentiated the genotoxicity of known mutagens and enhanced the micronuclei formation (5-fold) in folate-deficient mice. However, caffeine did not increase chromosomal aberrations in in vitro Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO) and human lymphocyte assays and was not mutagenic in an in vitro CHO/hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) gene mutation assay, except at cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, caffeine was not clastogenic in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Caffeine (as caffeine base) administered to male rats at 50 mg/kg/day subcu-taneously (approximately equal to the maximum recommended intravenous loading dose for infants on a mg/m2 basis) for four days prior to mating with untreated females, caused decreased male reproductive performance in addition to causing embryotoxicity. In addition, long-term exposure to high oral doses of caffeine (3.0 g over 7 weeks) was toxic to rat testes as manifested by spermatogenic cell degeneration. Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C Concern for the teratogenicity of caffeine is not relevant when administered to infants. In studies performed in adult animals, caffeine (as caffeine base) administered to pregnant mice as sustained release pellets at 50 mg/kg (less than the maximum recommended intravenous loading dose for infants on a mg/m2 basis), during the period of organogenesis, caused a low incidence of cleft palate and exencephaly in the fetuses. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Last reviewed on RxList: 5/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

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