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Generic Name: caffeine

A CNS stimulant - It is used to increase mental alertness or wakefulness when tired or sleepy

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What is this medicine?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) is a stimulant. It is used to increase mental alertness or wakefulness when tired or sleepy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

anxiety
colitis
diabetes
heart disease or irregular heartbeat
high blood pressure
insomnia
kidney disease
liver disease
panic attacks
peptic ulcer disease
seizure
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. You can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 12 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

cimetidine
ketoconazole
ketoprofen
medicines for colds or breathing difficulties
phenobarbital
phenytoin
stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or drinks while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause you to feel nervous, irritable, or to have a rapid heart beat or trouble sleeping.

This medicine is for occasional use only. It is not intended for use as a substitute for sleep. If fatigue or drowsiness continues, see a doctor. If you have been taking this medicine regularly, you can get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. You may feel tired, dizzy, nervous, or have a headache.

Do not take this medicine close to when you want to sleep.

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before you take any other over-the-counter medicines, especially cold and allergy medicines.

Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice; this may increase the effects of caffeine.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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