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Caffeine
mild CNS stimulant
- uses
- mechanism
- dose and half-life
- adverse drug reactions
- counter-indications and drug interactions
- metabolism and excretion
- dependency
Uses
- used for headache; many OTC pain medications contain caffeine
- 2
Mechanism
- CNS stimulant
- cardiac stimulant
- smooth muscle relexant (calcium mobilization)
- enhances gastric acid secretion
- enhances catecholamine release
- increases metabolic activity
- believed to antagonize adenosine receptors, leading to increased DA activity
- inhibits phosphodiesterase
- inhibition of adenosine in the kidney leads to vasodilation, increasing GFR and inducing diuresis
Dose and Half Life
- absorbed within 45 minutes from both stomach and SI
Adverse Drug Reactions
short term
- overuse can cause nervousness, anxiety, muscle twitching, insomnia, alkalosis, and headaches
long term
Counter-Indications and Drug Interactions
Metabolism and Excretion
- half life of 3-4 hours
- metabolized by CP450
Dependency
- Caffeine withdrawal is common, including headache, irritiability, inability to concentrate, and stomach aches