Pharmacology Review: Caffeine Use in Neonates: Indications, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Effects, Outcomes

Caffeine is commonly prescribed in the NICU to treat apnea of prematurity. This review is an update based on current knowledge of the mechanisms of action, pharmacologic properties, clinical effects, and safety of caffeine in the neonatal population. Recent studies of caffeine in the neonatal population confirm its efficacy in treating apnea-related symptoms and reveal additional significant benefits with minimal short-term, and no long-term, adverse effects.