Caffeine citrate injection is used to treat short-term apnea of prematurity when premature babies (infants between 28 and 32 weeks gestational age) stop breathing.
 
Caffeine Citrate Injection is a medication used to treat short-term apnea of prematurity in premature babies. Here are some details about it:
Description: caffeine citrate injection is a clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, aqueous solution adjusted to pH 4.7. Each mL contains 20 mg caffeine citrate (equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base). It is prepared by adding 10 mg of caffeine anhydrous to 5 mg of citric acid monohydrate, 8.3 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate, and Water for Injection, USP. Caffeine citrate is a central nervous system stimulant and is administered intravenously.
Indication: Caffeine citrate injection is used to treat short-term apnea of prematurity when premature babies (infants between 28 and 32 weeks gestational age) stop breathing. Apnea of prematurity occurs due to the baby’s breathing centers not being fully developed. This medicine is available with or without a doctor’s prescription2.
Mechanism of Action: Although the exact mechanism of action of caffeine in apnea of prematurity is not fully understood, several mechanisms have been hypothesized. These include stimulation of the respiratory center, increased minute ventilation, decreased threshold to hypercapnia, increased skeletal muscle tone, and increased oxygen consumption. Most of these effects are attributed to the antagonism of adenosine receptors by caffeine1.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: After oral administration, peak plasma levels of caffeine in preterm neonates range from 6 to 10 mg/L, with a mean time to reach peak concentration ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Distribution: Caffeine is rapidly distributed into the brain, and its levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of preterm neonates approximate their plasma levels.
Metabolism: Hepatic cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is involved in caffeine biotransformation. However, caffeine metabolism in preterm neonates is limited due to their immature hepatic enzyme systems1.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and dosing recommendations. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask! 😊