URGENT: I need help about caffeine

Please, i need help about the ideal concentration for the dilution of caffeine IV (60mg/3ml). It's the first time i use this medication.

Thanks

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I would sincerely hope that you would not administer this drug based upon responses to a question on an internet bulletin board. Do you not have a pharmacist you can ask? A physician? A drug guide? An experienced nurse?

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

You can DO caffeine IV? You mean I've been drinking it for nothing when I can get an expresso drip?

Seriously, I guess you'd do it for something along the lines of giving an ADHD kid a stimulant, but I've never seen this one...new to me.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Apparently caffeine citrate is indicated for apnea in preterm infants.

[loricatus]

Apparently caffeine citrate is indicated for apnea in preterm infants.

I also saw it used in the ER for an asthmatic patient who had allergies to the standard neb treatments.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I also saw it used in the ER for an asthmatic patient who had allergies to the standard neb treatments.

Probably an off label use, sounds like.

[loricatus]

Probably an off label use, sounds like.

Since oral caffeine has been used for asthmatic patients ( http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001112.html ) I wouldn't think that the IV version would be considered off-label usage.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

The only time I saw it given was actually to me as a patient with an intract. migraine after a procedure, and the doc gave me a caffeine gtt. I wasn't too impressed, but the next step was to go to the OR for a blood patch.

Anne, RNC

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

I have seen it used when the pt. had a spinal headache caused by a leak of csf.

[TiffyRN, ADN, BSN, PhD]

I saw it given once (IV form) to an adult patient for bad bad headache (probably migraine). It didn't work.

Most of the infants I care for in the NICU either are currently on or have been on IV or PO caffeine for apnea of prematurity. It is available mixed 20mg/ml (which is the same as 60mg/3mls). The infant dosing for apnea of prematurity is 5mg/kg once a day after a loading dose.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Please verify with YOUR standards of care in your hospital setting.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

I have seen it used when the pt. had a spinal headache caused by a leak of csf.

Thank you! I couldn't even remember why I had it but I had a csf leak after a radiologic procedure. I was in the hospital room on the BR floor and just stuck out my arm at shift change for vital signs. I vomited constantly for 3 days, then the doc said that the next dat I would be in the OR for a blood patch - -maybe it was in my head!!

Anne, RNC

Edited Jun 24, 2009 by sissiesmama

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

Since oral caffeine has been used for asthmatic patients ( http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001112.html ) I wouldn't think that the IV version would be considered off-label usage.

For sure. All asthmatics know that caffeine is helpful for asthma attacks. When I'm having an attack, and I can't get to my inhaler, I reach for a nice hot cup of coffee. It's a natural bronchodilator.

forgiveness for my English, I'm Colombian, and what I want to know with precision how dilution is in neonatal care: the must have in mg / ml for preterm

thanks

forgiveness for my English, I'm Colombian, and what I want to know with precision how dilution is in neonatal care: the must have in mg / ml for preterm

thanks

[300g]

For apnea of prematurity, as already noted, 20mg/ml (60mg/3ml) is the appropriate concentration. Loading dose 20-40mg/kg and maintenance dose 5-8mg/kg/day q24hours after loading dose. No dilution necessary.

example: 1kg patient = 20mg loading dose ordered = 1ml ... maintenance dose ordered for 24 hours later 5mg/kg/dose = 0.25ml IV q 24hours.

And general practice doesn't monitor caffeine levels anymore.

[CrufflerJJ, RN]

hypocaffeinemia should know.

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