What is this medication?

CAFFEINE (KAF een) may increase alertness. The FDA has not evaluated this supplement for any medical use. It may contain ingredients not listed. Discuss all supplements you are taking with your care team. They can provide you with important safety information.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NoDoz, Stay Awake, Vivarin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anxiety
• Colitis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Panic attacks
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Seizure
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Cimetidine
• Ketoconazole
• Ketoprofen
• Medications for colds or breathing difficulties
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medication has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or drinks while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause you to feel nervous, irritable, or to have a rapid heart beat or trouble sleeping.

This medication is for occasional use only. It is not intended for use as a substitute for sleep. If fatigue or drowsiness continues, see your care team. If you have been taking this medication regularly, you can get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. You may feel tired, dizzy, nervous, or have a headache.

Do not take this medication close to when you want to sleep.

Talk to your care team before you take any other over-the-counter medications, especially cold and allergy medications.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice; this may increase the effects of caffeine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Headache
• Tremors or shaking

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.