Benzoate / Caffeine
Benzoate/Caffeine is a combination medication containing sodium benzoate and caffeine, primarily used to treat apnea (breathing pauses) in premature infants. The caffeine component acts as a respiratory stimulant, helping to regulate breathing patterns in newborns who experience recurrent episodes of stopped breathing. This medication is typically administered in hospital settings under close medical supervision.
Benzoate/Caffeine is used to prevent breathing pauses in premature infants by stimulating their respiratory drive.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 142218
- Generic
- Benzoate / Caffeine
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Primarily used to treat and prevent apnea of prematurity in newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely who experience recurrent episodes of stopped breathing. May also be used in some cases of neonatal respiratory depression.
Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant by antagonizing adenosine receptors and promoting respiratory drive. Sodium benzoate contributes additional stimulant effects and may help enhance the overall respiratory-stimulating properties of the combination.
Must be used under close hospital monitoring due to potential side effects including tachycardia, irritability, feeding intolerance, and in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Dosage must be carefully calculated based on infant weight and gestational age. Treatment typically continues until the infant matures enough to maintain stable breathing patterns on their own.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy