Caffeine citrate injection, USP for intravenous administration is a clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, aqueous solution adjusted to pH 4.7. Each mL contains 20 mg caffeine citrate (equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base) prepared in solution by the addition of 10 mg caffeine anhydrous to 5 mg citric acid monohydrate, 8.3 mg sodium citrate dihydrate and Water for Injection, USP. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is an odorless white crystalline powder or granule, with a bitter taste. It is sparingly soluble in water and ethanol at room temperature. The chemical name of caffeine is 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1 H -purine-2,6-dione. In the presence of citric acid it forms caffeine citrate salt in solution. The structural formula and molecular weight of caffeine citrate follows. Structural Formula

What kind of drug is caffeine?

The FDA classifies caffeine as a central nervous system stimulant. CNS stimulants raise the levels of the brain's signaling chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, either by releasing more of them or by blocking their reuptake. This heightened activity in attention and arousal circuits increases alertness, energy, and focus. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take caffeine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run caffeine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is caffeine sold under?

We track 2 caffeine-containing products in the U.S.: Cafcit and Caffeine Citrate. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does caffeine come in?

Across the brands we track, caffeine is currently marketed as injectable and solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic caffeine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic caffeine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has caffeine been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions caffeine. The most recent: Acetaminophen 500mg Caffeine 65mg caplets (Oct 17, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Caffeine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for apnea and fatigue. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Central Nervous System Stimulant
Treats: Apnea and Fatigue
Available as: Injectable · Solution
Sold as: 2 products — Cafcit and Caffeine Citrate
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $3 for a 30-count supply

How caffeine is dosed

From the FDA label for Caffeine Citrate (application ANDA077997). Other caffeine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Prior to initiation of caffeine citrate injection, baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants previously treated with theophylline, since preterm infants metabolize theophylline to caffeine. Likewise, baseline serum levels of caffeine should be measured in infants born to mothers who consumed caffeine prior to delivery, since caffeine readily crosses the placenta. The recommended loading dose and maintenance doses of caffeine citrate follow. *Using a syringe infusion pump **Beginning 24 hours after the loading dose Dose of Caffeine Citrate Volume Dose of Caffeine Citrate mg/kg Route Frequency Loading Dose 1 mL/kg 20 mg/kg Intravenous* (over 30 minutes) One time Maintenance Dose 0.25 mL/kg 5 mg/kg Intravenous* (over 10 minutes) or Orally Every 24 hours** NOTE THAT THE DOSE OF CAFFEINE BASE IS ONE-HALF THE DOSE WHEN EXPRESSED AS CAFFEINE CITRATE (e.g., 20 mg of caffeine citrate is equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base). Serum concentrations of caffeine may need to be monitored periodically throughout treatment to avoid toxicity. Serious toxicity has been associated with serum levels greater than 50 mg/L. Caffeine citrate injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Vials containing discolored solution or visible particulate matter should be discarded. Drug Compatibility To test for drug compatibility…

Caffeine side effects

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Overall, the reported number of adverse events in the double-blind period of the controlled trial was similar for the caffeine citrate and placebo groups. The following table shows adverse events that occurred in the double-blind period of the controlled trial and that were more frequent in caffeine citrate treated patients than placebo. ADVERSE EVENTS THAT OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN CAFFEINE CITRATE-TREATED PATIENTS THAN PLACEBO DURING DOUBLE-BLIND THERAPY Adverse Event (AE) Caffeine Citrate N=46 n (%) Placebo N=39 n (%) BODY AS A WHOLE Accidental Injury 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) Feeding Intolerance 4 (8.7) 2 (5.1) Sepsis 2 (4.3) 0 (0.0) CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Necrotizing Enterocolitis 2 (4.3) 1 (2.6) Gastritis 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) HEMIC AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) METABOLIC AND NUTRITIVE DISORDERS Acidosis 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) Healing Abnormal 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) NERVOUS SYSTEM Cerebral Hemorrhage 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Dyspnea 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) Lung Edema 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) SKIN AND APPENDAGES Dry Skin 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) Rash 4 (8.7) 3 (7.7) Skin Breakdown 1 (2.2) 0 (0.0) SPECIAL SENSES Retinopathy of Prematurity 1 (2.2) 0…

Every caffeine product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Caffeine products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Cafcit	70/100	Prescription	Injectable	Generic	$3	View →
2	Caffeine Citrate	62/100	Prescription	Injectable	Generic

What caffeine pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Caffeine pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
T;24	50 mg / 325 mg / 40 mg	blue	round	—
A30	50 mg / 325 mg / 40 mg	white	capsule	—
FIORICET;CODEINE	50 mg / 300 mg / 40 mg / 30 mg	gray, blue	capsule	—
WATSON;3220	30 mg / 50 mg / 40 mg / 325 mg	blue, white	capsule	—
B073	50 mg / 325 mg / 40 mg / 30 mg	blue, gray	capsule	—
GA;473

Combination products containing caffeine

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Caffeine recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is caffeine?: Caffeine citrate injection, USP for intravenous administration is a clear, colorless, sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free, aqueous solution adjusted to pH 4.7. Each mL contains 20 mg caffeine citrate (equivalent to 10 mg of caffeine base) prepared in solution by the addition of 10 mg caffeine anhydrous to 5 mg citric acid monohydrate, 8.3 mg sodium citrate dihydrate and Water for Injection, USP. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is an odorless white crystalline powder or granule, with a bitter taste. It is sparingly soluble in water and ethanol at room temperature. The chemical name of caffeine is 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1 H -purine-2,6-dione. In the presence of citric acid it forms caffeine citrate salt in solution. The structural formula and molecular weight of caffeine citrate follows. Structural Formula
What kind of drug is caffeine?: The FDA classifies caffeine as a central nervous system stimulant. CNS stimulants raise the levels of the brain's signaling chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, either by releasing more of them or by blocking their reuptake. This heightened activity in attention and arousal circuits increases alertness, energy, and focus. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take caffeine with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run caffeine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is caffeine sold under?: We track 2 caffeine-containing products in the U.S.: Cafcit and Caffeine Citrate. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does caffeine come in?: Across the brands we track, caffeine is currently marketed as injectable and solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.