Acute toxicity involving caffeine has been reported rarely. Mild delirium, insomnia, diuresis, dehydration, fever commonly occur with overdosage. More serious symptoms of overdosage include cardiac arrhythmias and clonic-tonic convulsions. In adults, IV doses of 57 mg/kg of body weight and oral doses of 18.50 grams have been fatal. In one 5-year-old patient, death occurred following oral ingestion of approximately 3 grams caffeine. Convulsions may be treated with IV administration of diazepam or a barbiturate such as pentobarbital sodium.

None known.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/30/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.