Caffeine
Caffeine (ATC-D11) refers to topical caffeine preparations used in dermatology, primarily for treating androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and certain skin conditions. It acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and may help stimulate hair follicle activity when applied to the scalp. Dermatological caffeine formulations are typically available as solutions or foams for direct application to affected areas.
Topical caffeine is used in dermatology primarily for hair loss treatment and certain skin conditions, working by stimulating hair follicles when applied directly.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06BC01
- RxNorm
- 1886
- Generic
- Caffeine
- Class
- atc-d11
- Brands
- Pamprin Max Formula, Stanback Headache Powder Reformulated Jan 2011, Capacet, BC Arthritis, BC Original Formula, Arthriten Inflammatory Pain, Exaprin, Backaid IPF, Ascomp, Excedrin Mild Headache, Jet-Alert, Vanatol, Fioricet, Sed-Max, Panadol Extra
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 5
- Onset (min)
- 45
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, powder, solution, suppository
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan
- Monitoring
- heart rate, blood pressure, sleep quality
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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
generallimit to 200mg daily
limit caffeine intake to 200mg per day during pregnancy; avoid excessive consumption
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
first trimesterminimize intake
reduce caffeine intake to minimum possible during first trimester
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinglimit to 300mg daily
limit caffeine intake to 300mg per day while breastfeeding; avoid excessive consumption
observe infant for irritability or sleep disturbances
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 12 and underavoid or minimize
avoid caffeine-containing products in children; limit exposure from all sources
monitor for anxiety, sleep disturbances, or cardiovascular effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlymonitor response
use with caution in elderly patients; consider reduced sensitivity and potential cardiovascular effects
monitor blood pressure and heart rate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment needed for mild impairment
use with caution; caffeine is primarily metabolized by liver
standard monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce frequency
reduce caffeine intake; consider longer intervals between doses
monitor for accumulation and side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
caffeine is metabolized by liver; use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor for prolonged half-life
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Caffeine is classified as a CNS stimulant and used as an analgesic adjuvant in combination products
Common uses
Caffeine used as adjuvant to enhance analgesic effects in headache and pain medications
Elimination half-life
Average half-life in healthy adults
Typical dose in combination products
Standard caffeine content in OTC analgesic combination products
Topical caffeine preparations are primarily used for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). It may also be found in some dermatological formulations for skin conditioning and certain scalp disorders.
Caffeine acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which may increase cyclic AMP levels in hair follicles, potentially extending the anagen (growth) phase and stimulating hair proliferation. Topical application allows direct delivery to the hair follicle.
Topical caffeine is generally well-tolerated when applied to the scalp. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Oral caffeine (CNS stimulant) is a different formulation with different dosing, indications, and safety considerations. Consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment of hair loss conditions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy