Caffeine

Book
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
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Excerpt

Caffeine is a naturally occurring central nervous system stimulant belonging to the methylxanthine class and is widely recognized as the most utilized psychoactive stimulant worldwide. Although this drug is most commonly sourced from coffee beans, it can also naturally occur in certain types of tea and cacao beans and as an additive to soda and energy drinks. Caffeine consumption primarily alleviates fatigue and drowsiness but has numerous additional therapeutic applications. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved caffeine for treating apnea of prematurity. Off-label uses of caffeine include the treatment of migraines and post-dural puncture headaches, as well as enhancing athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports.

Publication types

  • Study Guide