is caffeine a peptide FAQ

The most common side effects of caffeine are listed below. Caffeine is usually well tolerated, but there is a lot of variability in how each person responds to it. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if caffeine is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Alertness. If you are taking caffeine for alertness or to stay awake, it is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses. Breathing. If caffeine is prescribed for breathing pauses in a premature baby and a dose is missed, contact your health care provider for instructions.

Caffeine is found in many foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, soda, protein bars, chocolate, and many other products. Your body handles caffeine the same way whether you eat it, drink it, or take it as a medicine or supplement. Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can be harmful. Caffeine and alcohol may have opposite effects. When the two are used together, you may feel like either the caffeine or alcohol is not affecting you like it usually does. This may lead you to drink more alcohol or have more caffeine than you otherwise would and may increase the risk of side effects.

If caffeine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. Do not change the dose without talking to your health care provider. If you are taking over-the-counter (OTC) caffeine, follow the instructions that come with the product. OTC caffeine is only meant to be used occasionally. You should not take caffeine instead of sleeping. Do not share caffeine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep caffeine out of the reach of children. There are multiple forms of caffeine available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. Caffeine is found in many foods and drinks. Your body handles caffeine the same way whether you eat it, drink it, or take it as a medicine or supplement. Keep track of all sources of caffeine to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can be harmful. Avoid taking caffeine late in the day. Taking it late in the day may make it harder for you to sleep. Stop taking caffeine and talk to your health care provider if you continue to feel tired or have trouble staying alert. Your health care provider may want to check to see what is going on. If you are using prescription caffeine liquid, look at the liquid before measuring the dose. The liquid should be clear and colorless, without any particles in it. You should not use it if it is cloudy, the color has changed, or you can see things floating in it. Use an accurate measuring device to measure each dose of prescription caffeine liquid. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use. Each vial should only be used one time. After measuring the dose, throw away any used medicine. A new vial should be used for the next dose. If you are using caffeine for breathing pauses in your baby, tell your health care provider right away if the breathing pauses keep happening. Keep all appointments with your health care provider. Also tell your baby’s health care provider right away if your baby has any of the following symptoms.

Caffeine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take caffeine.

While less common, the most serious side effects of caffeine are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Caffeine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking caffeine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

If you or someone else has used too much caffeine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Caffeine is commonly taken for the following reasons.

Caffeine is a stimulant. It acts within the brain to increase alertness. Caffeine seems to help reduce breathing pauses (apnea) in babies in a few ways. It may make the brain more sensitive to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide tells the body to take a breath. Caffeine also seems to improve the strength of the main breathing muscle (the diaphragm) and helps the body breathe more regularly.

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking caffeine.