Drug Reference
Caffeine
Xanthine derivatives
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Xanthine derivatives
- Action class
- Central Nervous System Stimulant
- Chemical class
- Xanthines
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
AnacinAnacin Advanced Headache FormulaArthriten Inflammatory PainAscompBC ArthritisBC Original FormulaBackaid IPFBackprinCafcitCafergotCapacetEsgicExaprinExaprin PlusExcedrinExcedrin Mild HeadacheExcedrin Quick TabExcedrin Tension HeadacheFioricetFioricet with CodeineJet-AlertMigergotNo DozNorgesicOrphengesicPamprin Max FormulaPanadol ExtraPep-BackRepanSaletoSed-MaxStanback Headache Powder Reformulated Jan 2011TrezixVanatolVanquishVivarinVtolZebutal
Available as
50 MG · Oral Tablet450 MG · Oral Tablet5 MG/ML · Oral Solution356.4 MG · Oral Capsule712.8 MG · Oral Tablet100 MG · Oral Tablet100 MG · Rectal Suppository100 MG · Oral Capsule500 MG · Oral Tablet16.7 MG/ML · Oral Solution300 MG · Oral Capsule650 MG · Powder320.5 MG · Oral Capsule325 MG · Oral Tablet400 MG · Oral Tablet200 MG · Oral Tablet2.17 MG/ML · Oral Solution160 MG · Oral Tablet1000 MG · Powder500 MG · Powder325 MG · Oral Capsule2 ML · Injection421 MG · Oral Tablet194 MG · Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Use helps restore mental alertness or wakefulness when experiencing fatigue or drowsiness
How to use / dosing
Directions adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet not more often than every 3 to 4 hours children under 12 years: do not use
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For occasional use only Caffeine warning: The recommended dose of this product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking this product because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heart beat. Do not use for children under 12 years of age as a substitute for sleep Stop use and ask a doctor if fatigue or drowsiness persists or continues to recur. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- PHYLA ACNE PHAGE SERUM (SALICYLIC ACID) LOTION [COSMAX USA, CORP]
- TENSION HEADACHE RELIEF (ACETAMINOPHEN, CAFFEINE) TABLET, COATED [WALGREEN COMPANY]
- ACETAMINOPHEN 500 PYRILAMINE MALEATE 15 AND CAFFEINE 60 (ACETAMINOPHEN 500MG PYRILAMINE MALEATE 15MG AND CAFFEINE 60MG TABLETS) TABLET, FILM COATED [HEALTH PHARMA USA LLC]
- ACETAMINOPHEN 250 MG ASPIRIN 250 MG CAFFEINE 65 MG TABLET, FILM COATED [HEALTH PHARMA USA LLC]
- EXTRA STRENGTH PAIN AID (ACETAMINOPHEN, ASPIRIN, CAFFEINE) TABLET [HI-TECH NUTACEUTICALS, LLC]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.