History
If acute caffeine ingestion is suspected, patients or their family members should be questioned about their use of prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and illicit drugs. Patients and family members should be queried about the use of any of the following drugs:
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Cocaine
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Amphetamines
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Methamphetamine
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Phencyclidine (PCP)
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Antidepressants
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Asthma medications
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Thyroid medications
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Anticholinergics (eg, OTC allergy medications)
The patient and family members or friends may be able to give a history of recent caffeine ingestion (eg, ingestion of alertness-promoting OTC medications, caffeinated beverages, or diet medications) or a history of recent behavior compatible with such use (eg, the patient was trying to lose weight or taking stimulants to aid in working or studying). In an acute overdose, pill bottles found at the scene may provide a clue to what the patient ingested.
When ingested chronically in excessive amounts, caffeine produces a specific toxidrome (caffeinism), which consists of primarily central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal (GI) hyperstimulation.
CNS features include the following:
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Headache
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Lightheadedness
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Anxiety, agitation
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Tremulousness, perioral and extremity tingling (resulting from tachypnea-induced respiratory alkalosis)
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Confusion, psychosis
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Seizures
Cardiovascular features include the following:
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Palpitations or racing heart rate
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Chest pain
GI features include the following:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea, bowel incontinence
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Anorexia
Physical Examination
Vital signs may include tachypnea and tachycardia. On blood pressure measurement, a characteristic finding is widened pulse pressure due to the positive inotropic effect as well as the vasodilatory effect of caffeine. Hypotension may be present.
CNS findings on physical examination include the following:
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Anxiety, agitation
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Tremors
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Seizures
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Altered mental status
The pupils are dilated but reactive to light. The thyroid should be examined because thyrotoxicosis may mimic caffeine toxicity.
GI findings include the following:
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Vomiting
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Abdominal cramping
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Hyperactive bowel sounds
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Caffeine content of various foods, beverages, medications, and supplements. Caffeine content is approximate for brewed beverages and chocolate).
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Chemical structure of caffeine.