Definition: A methylxanthine naturally occurring in some beverages and also used as a pharmacological agent. Caffeine's most notable pharmacological effect is as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness and producing agitation. It also relaxes SMOOTH MUSCLE, stimulates CARDIAC MUSCLE, stimulates DIURESIS, and appears to be useful in the treatment of some types of headache. Several cellular actions of caffeine have been observed, but it is not entirely clear how each contributes to its pharmacological profile. Among the most important are inhibition of cyclic nucleotide PHOSPHODIESTERASES, antagonism of ADENOSINE RECEPTORS, and modulation of intracellular calcium handling.
Other names Vivarin; Thompson Brand 2 of Caffeine; Thompson Brand 1 of Caffeine; Seid Brand of Caffeine; Republic Drug Brand of Caffeine; Quick-Pep; Pierre Fabre Brand of Caffeine; Percutaf+¬ine; Percoffedrinol N; Passauer Brand of Caffeine; No Doz; Merck dura Brand of Caffeine; GlaxoSmithKline Brand of Caffeine; Durvitan; Dexitac; Coffeinum Purrum; Coffeinum N; Caffedrine; Bristol-Myers Squibb Brand of Caffeine; Berlin-Chemie Brand of Caffeine
caffeine, sodium benzoate drug combination [ caffeine - sodium benzoate,caffeine benzoate ] RN given refers to an equal mixture of caffeine and benzoate; Merck, 9th ed, #1628 reference for caffeine sodium benzoate
