Description

• Labelled as Caffeine Citrate Injection 20 mg/ml (equivalent to caffeine base 10 mg/ml).

• Labelled as Caffeine Citrate Injection 20 mg/ml (equivalent to caffeine base 10 mg/ml).

• Loading dose is charted on stat page of prescription chart in mg/dose.
• Maintenance doses are charted on the prescription chart in mg/dose.

Administration

Slow IV Infusion

1. Filter during administration with a 0.22 micron Pall filter.
2. Administer loading dose by slow IV infusion over 30 minutes using a syringe pump.
3. Administer maintenance dose over 15 minutes.
4. Compatible with sodium chloride 0.9%, glucose 5%, glucose 10%.
5. Incompatible with aciclovir and frusemide. Do not mix with other drugs, IV solutions unless checked beforehand with Pharmacy. Do not mix with blood or blood products.
6. Do NOT mix with Parenteral Nutrition solutions.
7. Flush tubing with sodium chloride 0.9% before and after administration.

Oral

1. Administer with feeds. Absorption is delayed but not decreased by feeds.

No information on IM administration.

Nursing Considerations

1. Observe IV site for signs of extravasation.
2. Assess for signs of adverse effects.
3. Initial treatment should be monitored by a cardiorespiratory monitor and a pulse oximeter. Once stable, discuss apnoea monitoring with doctor.
4. Monitor apex beat, rate and rhythm regularly. Apex beat must be taken immediately prior to administration (preferably an undisturbed rate). If the apex beat is > 180/minute withhold medication and notify doctor / NS-ANP immediately. Dose may then be administered if requested by doctor/NS-ANP.
5. Monitor respiratory rate, quality and effort.
6. Monitor incidence of apnoea. Continue apnoea monitoring for several days after stopping caffeine.
7. Monitor for glycosuria.
8. May be administered orally once the baby is tolerating 50% of full oral feed volumes.

Storage

• Ampoule unopened - at room temperature. Discard after use. DO NOT REFRIGERATE
• Oral - discard 1 day after opening. DO NOT REFRIGERATE

References