Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate Injection has been used in conjunction with supportive measure to treat respiratory depression associated with overdosage with CNS depressant drugs (e.g., narcotic analgesics, alcohol). However, because of questionable benefit and transient action, most authorities believe caffeine and other analeptics should not be used in these conditions and recommend other supportive therapy.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate Injection may be administered by intramuscular or slow intravenous injection. Some clinicians suggest that when used as a mild CNS stimulant to overcome fatigue, oral doses of 100-200 mg of anhydrous caffeine are required. One manufacturer recommends that citrated caffeine be administered orally in dosages of 65-325 mg (about 32-162 mg of anhydrous caffeine) 3 times daily. Another manufacturer recommends an oral dosage of 250 mg of anhydrous caffeine in an extended-release formulation once daily, but warns that the drug should not be administered less than 6 hours before retiring. Analeptic use of caffeine is strongly discouraged by most clinicians. However, the manufacturer of Caffeine and Sodium Benzoate Injection recommends intramuscular, or in emergency respiratory failure, intravenous injection of 500 mg of the drug (about 250 mg of anhydrous caffeine) or a maximum single dose of 1 gram (about 500 mg of anhydrous caffeine) for the treatment of respiratory depression associated with overdosage of CNS depressants, including narcotic analgesics and alcohol, and with electric shock. The usual dose is 0.5 g (7 ½ grains) as frequently as directed by the physician. The maximum safe dose is 0.5 g and the total dose in 24 hours should rarely exceed 2.5 g. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

CONTRAINDICATIONS None known.

Not available.

Not available.