Caffeine (Systemic)

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Caffeine powder and tablets are for occasional use only. They are not intended to replace sleep and should not be used regularly for this purpose. If unusual tiredness or weakness or drowsiness continues or returns often, check with your doctor .

Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests on the heart may be affected by this medicine.

The recommended dose of this medicine contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Do not drink large amounts of caffeine-containing coffee, tea, or soft drinks while you are taking this medicine. Also, do not take large amounts of other medicines that contain caffeine. To do so may cause unwanted effects.

The amount of caffeine in some common foods and beverages is as follows:

• Coffee, brewed - 40 to 180 milligrams (mg) per cup.
• Coffee, instant - 30 to 120 mg per cup.
• Coffee, decaffeinated - 3 to 5 mg per cup.
• Tea, brewed American - 20 to 90 mg per cup.
• Tea, brewed imported - 25 to 110 mg per cup.
• Tea, instant - 28 mg per cup.
• Tea, canned iced - 22 to 36 mg per 12 ounces.
• Cola and other soft drinks, caffeine-containing - 36 to 90 mg per 12 ounces.
• Cola and other soft drinks, decaffeinated - 0 mg per 12 ounces.
• Cocoa - 4 mg per cup.
• Chocolate, milk - 3 to 6 mg per ounce.
• Chocolate, bittersweet - 25 mg per ounce.

Caffeine may cause nervousness or irritability, trouble in sleeping, dizziness, or a fast or pounding heartbeat. If these effects occur, discontinue the use of caffeine-containing beverages and medicines, and do not eat large amounts of chocolate-containing products .

To prevent trouble in sleeping, do not take caffeine-containing beverages or medicines too close to bedtime.