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Caffeine (200 mg)
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the central nervous system, preventing the accumulation of adenosine and reducing drowsiness while increasing alertness and mental focus.
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the central nervous system, preventing the accumulation of adenosine and reducing drowsiness while increasing alertness and mental focus. Used for Fatigue and drowsiness (over-the-counter use), Adjunctive treatment in headaches and migraines, Apnea of prematurity (in neonates).
At a glance
| Generic name | Caffeine (200 mg) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | coffeinum, methyltheobromine, 1,3,7-trimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purin-2,4-dion, CAS No: 56-08-2, Ph.Eur: 6.0/027 |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland |
| Drug class | Methylxanthine; Central nervous system stimulant |
| Target | Adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, A3) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; General wellness |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Caffeine is a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier and competitively inhibits adenosine binding at A1 and A2A receptors. By blocking adenosine—a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation—caffeine increases neuronal firing, enhances dopamine and norepinephrine signaling, and produces stimulant effects including increased wakefulness, improved concentration, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Approved indications
- Fatigue and drowsiness (over-the-counter use)
- Adjunctive treatment in headaches and migraines
- Apnea of prematurity (in neonates)
Common side effects
- Insomnia or sleep disturbance
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache (rebound)
Key clinical trials
- Does Caffeine Facilitate Human Reward Learning Behaviors? (NA)
- Effect of Caffeine on Cold-stimulated Brown Adipose Tissue Activity (NA)
- Oral Caffeine and Spinal-Induced Hypotension (NA)
- Effects of Caffeine and L-Theanine on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Trained Athletes (NA)
- Effect of Caffeinated Chewing Gum on Vertical Jump Performance in Female Volleyball Players (NA)
- Caffeine Consumption in Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Subjects (NA)
- Impact of Chronic and Acute Caffeine Intake on the Hematopoietic System (NA)
- Short-term Effects of Caffeine and a Multi-ingredient Pre-workout on Exercise Performance (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Caffeine (200 mg) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Caffeine (200 mg) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland portfolio CI