Caffeine citrateProduct ingredient for Caffeine

Caffeine is a drug of the methylxanthine class used for a variety of purposes, including certain respiratory conditions of the premature newborn, pain relief, and to combat drowsiness. Caffeine is similar in chemical structure to Theophylline and Theobromine.^4,16 It can be sourced from coffee beans, but also occurs naturally in various teas and cacao beans, which are different than coffee beans.¹² Caffeine is also used in a variety of cosmetic products and can be administered topically, orally, by inhalation, or by injection.¹²

The caffeine citrate injection, used for apnea of the premature newborn, was initially approved by the FDA in 1999.¹⁹ According to an article from 2017, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide. This correlates to about 1 in 10 births. Premature birth can lead to apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that interferes with lung development and may eventually cause asthma or early onset emphysema in those born prematurely.⁵ Caffeine is beneficial in preventing and treating apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns, improving the quality of life of premature infants.¹²