Cafcit
Cafcit is a central nervous system stimulant containing caffeine citrate. It is specifically indicated for the short-term treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and less than 33 weeks gestational age. It works by stimulating the respiratory center of the brain, increasing sensitivity to carbon dioxide, and strengthening contraction of the diaphragm.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered under strict medical supervision in a neonatal clinical setting. Typical loading dose is 20 mg/kg (equivalent to 10 mg/kg caffeine base) administered intravenously or orally. Maintenance dose is 5 mg/kg (equivalent to 2.5 mg/kg caffeine base) once daily, starting 24 hours after the loading dose.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Loading: 20 mg/kg; Maintenance: 5 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Maintenance dose once daily
- Tracking Notes
- This is the primary target population (premature neonates). Administer under strict medical supervision and monitor heart rate and serum caffeine levels.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely indicated
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Apnea of prematurity typically resolves before reaching this weight range. Consult a pediatrician or neonatologist.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not indicated
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for older infants or children in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not indicated
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not indicated
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Loading: 20 mg/kg; Maintenance: 5 mg/kg | Maintenance dose once daily | This is the primary target population (premature neonates). Administer under strict medical supervision and monitor heart rate and serum caffeine levels. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routinely indicated | Use only if prescribed | Apnea of prematurity typically resolves before reaching this weight range. Consult a pediatrician or neonatologist. |
| 8-10 kg | Not indicated | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for older infants or children in this weight range. |
| 11-15 kg | Not indicated | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range. |
| 16-20 kg | Not indicated | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range. |
Formulation
Purpose
Short-term treatment of apnea of prematurity in premature infants.
Generic Name
Caffeine citrateScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.