Vegetable alkaloid. Found in tea, coffee, cola, cocoa, etc. Stimulant to the central nervous system. Promotes alertness for physical and mental activity and retards sleep. Recent studies show it to be a health hazard in large quantities. One cup of tea may contain 60-90mg caffeine; one cup of coffee between 60-150mg. Cola beverages may contain 40-70mg. Toxic effects include palpitation, headache, sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety and high blood pressure.
Alternatives: Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Guarana tea, German Chamomile.
Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Studies show that abstinence induces a withdrawal syndrome of fatigue, headache and drowsiness within 24 hours and lasts about a week, on giving up the habit.
A stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and cola drinks.
Caffeine reduces fatigue, improves concentration, makes the heart pump blood faster, and has a diuretic effect.
Large quantities may produce side effects such as agitation and tremors.
A regular high intake may lead to increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and tiredness, after a few hours without caffeine.
Caffeine is used in some drug preparations, particularly in combination with analgesics and with ergotamine in preventive treatments for migraine.
A white crystalline substance obtained from co?ee, of which it is the active principle. Its main actions are as a cerebral stimulant, a cardiac stimulant, and a diuretic. It is a constituent of many tablets for the relief of headache, usually combined with aspirin and paracetamol, but its pain-killing properties are controversial. One unusual use is in treating apnoeic attacks in premature babies (see APNOEA).
n. an alkaloid drug, present in coffee and tea, that has a stimulant action, particularly on the central nervous system. It is used to promote wakefulness and increase mental activity; it also possesses diuretic properties, and large doses may cause headache. Caffeine is often included with aspirin or codeine in analgesic preparations.
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