How to Use Caffeine to Improve Athletic Performance

Caffeine is one of the stimulant drugs whose daily use, and even abuse, is common. In any grocery store you can find many “energy drinks” enriched big amount caffeine And coffee in general is almost the most popular and main drink in society. Many people can be said to simply sip caffeine several times throughout their day without a care in the world.

Pay attention to this guide, which contains everything you need to know: what it is, how it works, what the benefits and risks are, and how to take caffeine most effectively.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine, at the molecular level, is an alkali, organic compound carbon-based, which belong to a class of substances called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are used for excitatory stimulation of the central nervous system(CNS) and heart. In natural natural form they are found in coffee beans and tea leaves; to a lesser extent - some fruits and other products of plant origin.

The scientific and chemical name of caffeine is as follows: “1,3,7-trimethylxanthine.” Some manufacturers may use this name on the label in the list of ingredients “for disguise.”

You may also come across the name Caffeine Sodium Benzoate. This form comes in tablets and you can buy it at the pharmacy.

The physiological effects of methylxanthines are as follows: they suppress the action of the neurohormone adenosine (a natural sedative substance produced in the body). Trimethylxanthine molecules are identical to adenosine molecules, and they take their place in the central nervous system and brain. Also, under the influence of caffeine, glycogen breaks down, thereby increasing blood sugar levels, which also gives an additional boost of energy. The synthesis of adrenaline with the help of caffeine is optimized and accelerated. Finally, caffeine helps increase the synthesis of another neurohormone in the body - dopamine. This is a substance that has the property of not only invigorating the body, but also inducing a feeling of calm and well-being.

These properties explain everything famous feeling moral and physical recovery after a cup of coffee. Which, however, soon becomes dull when this drink is abused. By the way, caffeine makes all metabolic processes in cells proceed faster, and this also helps stimulate vigor and general vitality body.

Caffeine in sports – beneficial effects

Remember that the brain and spinal cord are the main components central nervous system. In the human body, this is the path for transmitting and receiving signals between each of the parts of our body. After taking CNS stimulant inhibitors, including caffeine, the calming effect of adenosine is negated, and the body goes into such an “overdrive mode.”

Main short term consequences:

  • Cardiopalmus;
  • Increased metabolic rate;
  • Pronounced psychostimulation, beneficial effect on the overall tone of the body;
  • Vasoconstriction (effect of narrowing of blood vessels);
  • Increased urination and excretion (improved intestinal motility, easy release of the body from excrement).

Some of these effects are highly desirable, while others may not be useful for enhancing performance (namely, vasoconstriction and increased urination).

The half-life of caffeine in the body is quite short (about three to six hours), so it should ideally not be taken uncontrollably, but only when taken right time(which will be discussed further).

Caffeine for bodybuilding – how to take it?

Research shows that to the already indicated consequences of caffeine intake, less pronounced, but no less important, should be added: an increase in the synthesis of catecholamine hormones and dilation of the bronchi of the lungs. This also helps athletes feel more alert and resilient during training, while reducing their level of perceived exertion.

Essentially, you feel able to work harder and therefore increase your productivity and productivity. Obviously, this is great for recreational athletes in gyms, as it often results in a noticeable improvement in the quality of their workouts. And the training weights increase, and the consumption of kilocalories increases. Therefore, a cup of natural coffee (or better yet, a caffeine-based pre-workout supplement) before class is definitely a good thing.

There are also versions that, along with psychological support for the athlete, caffeine also has direct physiological support. Namely: increasing the thermic effect of nutrition, in the form of improving carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism during training. However scientific justification These statements do not. This is, to some extent, advertising. sports supplements with caffeine. It is aimed at those who want to lose excess fat, and because of this are looking for ways to increase endurance and power to effectively perform exercises.

How to take caffeine before training?

Caffeine is undoubtedly a proven, important addition to a pre-workout supplement. However, you need to apply it in accordance with your goals and current training plans. For example, "classic" bodybuilders benefit from the use of caffeine, whether they are looking to bulk up or not. muscle mass or work to burn fat.

However, many other sports require extremely precise coordination of movements. Caffeine, to some extent, negatively affects it, and therefore for such athletes it can reduce their performance during training and competition. Be careful when using caffeine before sporting events if you are prone to cardiovascular problems. This refers to the vasoconstriction effect of caffeine, and an increase total load on the heart.

The main ergogenic (increased endurance, performance) benefits of caffeine are achieved thanks to:

  • Increasing the body's production of catecholamines (especially adrenaline);
  • Bronchodilation effect (dilation of the bronchi, increased saturation of the lungs with oxygen);
  • Increase carbohydrate metabolism and the use of the resulting energy;
  • Increased fatty acid oxidation process.

The source of caffeine before a workout can be a cup of coffee, a pre-workout supplement, or pills. It’s clear with coffee and pre-workouts, but how to take caffeine sodium benzoate in tablets? In fact, this option is the simplest and most convenient, since you can calculate the dosage for yourself. Just see how much substance is contained in one tablet and take the required amount.

Possible side effects

Like any drug, there are some side/undesirable effects from using caffeine, namely:

  • The process of dehydration and mild cramps;
  • Manifestations of nervousness, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety (individually);
  • Increased plasma cortisol levels (this effect decreases in completely healthy people).

Cortisol is the main biologically active catabolic hormone that destroys proteins and promotes the “accumulation of fat for future use.”

These side effects are usually dose dependent; If you don't overuse caffeine, you can avoid most of them and not even know they exist. Like most chemicals, the difference between a drug and a poison is only a matter of dose. Most people will not experience these side effects unless they consume caffeine uncontrollably and follow methodical order its use.

By the way, this is a good segue into the next section, where we will discuss how much caffeine people should take and when it makes sense to take it.

Proper dosing of caffeine

The smartest thing you can do is to find " golden mean" That is, such a dose and cycle for yourself, which, on the one hand, will not allow you to become dependent on caffeine, and on the other hand, will not help to “dull” its beneficial effects. Studies have shown that consuming excessive amounts of caffeine before training does not provide a noticeable benefit and does not enhance the desired energizing effect. Therefore, an increased dose of caffeine will not provide benefits, but it may contribute to the manifestation of side effects. Therefore, without fanaticism.

So what is it like optimal dose caffeine before a workout, you ask?

It exists, long ago and repeatedly confirmed scientific research on different levels. Depending on differences in sensitivity to caffeine, this dose varies from one to three mg per kilogram of body weight. For those using the imperial measurement system, 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. Therefore, it makes sense for a 220-pound (or 100-kilogram) athlete to use approximately 100-300 mg of caffeine before training or competition.

It should be noted that the range of recommended doses is quite wide, and therefore everyone should use some trial and error when assessing their individual response to caffeine. It makes sense to start with the minimum recommended dose based on your weight, and then simply increase the dose if you do not feel a particular increase in performance.

Timing of caffeine intake

Let us remember that caffeine has a half-life of 3 to 6 hours. In this regard, it is best if you take an energizing dose of caffeine about thirty to forty-five minutes before training. If you train on an empty stomach and have previously been on a strict diet, then you are likely to see the effects much faster, within ten or fifteen minutes after taking it. Most athletes eat before training. If you are planning a meal before training, then in this case, it would probably be better to take a dose of caffeine about an hour or two after you eat.

This should give you enough time to digest your food and minimize any spicy gastrointestinal disorder which can occur from caffeine. Again, trial and error is a critical component to optimizing your individual caffeine intake.

Does the source of caffeine matter?

Caffeine is available for consumption in both its natural (coffee, tea, chocolate) and synthetic forms (caffeine tablets, powder, energetic drinks, nutritional supplements, carbonated drinks). The source does not make much difference in producing the desired effect. The most common and convenient form of supplemental stimulation is dehydrated caffeine in tablets or powder, which can be purchased at almost any pharmacy or sports supplement store.

Caffeine in this form is not only relatively inexpensive. But also: you can absolutely find out “how much pure caffeine in grams” you get and calculate how to take caffeine in tablets. On the other hand, most energy drinks and pre-workout products have caffeine content listed on the label. For lovers of natural coffee, the general “rule” thumb"is that one cup of strong black coffee contains about two hundred mg of caffeine.

How to overcome the addictive effect?

There is a significant caveat to using caffeine: the more you use it, the less sensitive you become to it. beneficial influence. This, in turn, entails gradual increase dose of caffeine required to achieve an invigorating effect and maximum performance. It is not uncommon to meet avid coffee drinkers who do not feel any invigoration, even after drinking “the whole kettle,” or who receive only a short-term burst of energy, lasting no more than 30 minutes.

It's safe to say that if you are in a similar position where you can swallow several " loading doses espresso without noticing anything, then you need to step back from caffeine for a while. Another sign that it's time to stop consuming caffeine for now is when the side effects begin to outweigh its benefits.

There is a well-founded belief that the correct way to use caffeine is in cycles. The basic recommendation is something like this: after every 8-12 weeks of caffeine use, you should give your body a break from it (and other stimulants too!) for a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Some people might argue that they take caffeine for months on end and still experience its energizing effects. In this case, it must be said: don't think too much about a simple bike if you want to achieve significant results.

On the other hand, many may need a caffeine “rest” cycle more frequently: every 3-4 weeks. If you take caffeine only a couple of times a week, and not every day, then you can keep it in your diet indefinitely, without turning it off at all. Again, the wisdom is to listen to your body and experiment.

Once you understand how your body responds to different amounts of caffeine, the process of “fine-tuning your dose” and correct use it will become much easier.

Should you use caffeine?

Studies on the effects of caffeine on the body have been more positive than negative result. Therefore, it is difficult to argue against the axiom that sports and physical indicators can be improved by using it. For most athletes, it takes some time to evaluate their experience and understand what the specific effect is, whether it helps them achieve their goals or not. And in the end, decide what specific dose of caffeine they need.

Additionally, as with any supplement or medication, it would be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning regular, long-term use of this stimulant. Additionally, caffeine in high enough doses (over 5 grams) can even be fatal, so please be careful when using it in large quantities.

Summing up

We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of how to optimize your use of this popular drug. It's hard not to recommend caffeine to anyone visiting Gym. Even if you are just an amateur and do not strive for great results, but are simply looking for active relaxation after a difficult week at the office. However, if you are reading this article on our website, then we can assume that you are a little more serious athlete than the average amateur. So let's get caffeinated and sweat it out!

Nowadays, very few people are satisfied with the quality of their lives. Insomnia and drowsiness, irregular work schedule, many things planned for the day, for which most often there is not enough strength and energy... And if previously a mug of coffee saved you from daytime sleepiness, now this option practically does not work. That is why many began to prefer a drug such as “Caffeine-sodium benzoate”.

Composition and pharmacological action

Basics active substance the mentioned remedy is caffeine-methylxanthine. It has an analeptic and psychostimulating effect, blocks peripheral adenosine (A1, A2) and central receptors. In heart, skeletal muscles ah, smooth muscle organs, central nervous system, adipose tissue, it inhibits the action of PDE and promotes a noticeable accumulation of cGMP and cAMP. But this effect is observed only if the patient takes excessive doses of the drug “Caffeine-sodium benzoate”. In addition to all of the above, its functions include stimulation of the medulla oblongata centers (vasomotor and respiratory). High doses help facilitate interneuronal conduction in the area spinal cord, enhancing the reflexes of the spinal cord.

Action on the central nervous system

The medicinal product is able to quickly increase physical/ mental performance, stimulates mental activity, motor activity, noticeably shortening the time allotted by the body for reactions. The product also reduces the feeling of fatigue and drowsiness. The effect of the drug in question on the human body is ambiguous. In small doses, the medicine “Caffeine-sodium benzoate” easily stimulates the nervous system. But as soon as the dosage is increased, the drug has the completely opposite effect - the central nervous system is depressed. Breathing begins to become faster and deeper, the myocardium is stimulated, and the most important departments CNS.

Action on the cardiovascular system

The vasomotor system is stimulated, but at the same time the walls of the vessels relax, which leads to a logical continuation of the processes. Among these are the subsequent reaction individual organs: dilation of blood vessels in the kidneys, skeletal muscles, heart, greater blood flow and oxygen saturation of cells. But cerebral arteries while experiencing increased tone, that is, the vessels in the brain narrow, thereby reducing cerebral blood flow and oxygen pressure. Due to the intake of the drug "Caffeine-sodium benzoate" undergoes changes and arterial pressure, which, with a normal initial variant, may increase, and with arterial hypotension is normalized. In addition, the medication has antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles, but on striated muscles to a greater extent - stimulating. Secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract and renal filtration increase, histamine is released from mast cells, the basal metabolism increases.

Indications for use

Doctors prescribe the drug "Caffeine-sodium benzoate", reviews of which indicate its effectiveness, with a decrease in mental activity, physical performance, drowsiness, headaches (including migraine type), with moderate arterial hypotension. And also in case of depressed breathing due to poisoning with narcotic or other similar drugs, asphyxia in newborns and in cases where it may be necessary to restore ventilation after anesthesia. In ophthalmology this drug used for a noticeable decrease in ophthalmotonus, retinal detachment, after surgical interventions and for glaucoma.

Contraindications

Contraindications are hypersensitivity, anxiety disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, ventricular extrasystole. The medication should be taken very carefully by elderly people, individuals with increased excitability, epilepsy, a tendency to seizures, during lactation and pregnancy.

Medicine "Caffeine-sodium benzoate": side effects

At normal use Among the side effects are: anxiety, excitability, restlessness, tremors and headaches, a noticeable increase in reflexes and insomnia. If the drug is suddenly discontinued, inhibition of the nervous system, feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, and muscle tension increase.

From the cardiovascular system the following were noted: arrhythmia, palpitations, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, in some cases myocardial infarction is possible.

The gastrointestinal tract may react to the drug with nausea, vomiting, exacerbation peptic ulcer, if there was one in the anamnesis.

Nasal congestion, addiction, which is called caffeineism, and complete dependence on the medicine may also occur. At the same time, addiction occurs quite quickly, as a result, many can no longer live normally without this drug.

"Caffeine-sodium benzoate" for weight loss

Particularly enterprising people, knowing the ability of caffeine (to invigorate and dilate blood vessels, thereby increasing the supply of oxygen to the organs), decided to use the drug in question as a fat burner. In fact, if we compare it with sports analogues, then this option will be even safer. Sports fat burners use caffeine and geranamine, which in tandem can cause a stroke by stimulating the cardiovascular and nervous systems twice as much as pharmaceutical product. In addition, the mentioned analogues are more expensive. And the drug "Caffeine-sodium benzoate" is inexpensive, and at the same time the risk is lower. But again, it becomes addictive in a fairly short period of time. If a person taking this drug becomes irritable without it, walks around constantly sleepy and cannot fall asleep at night, experiences headaches and feels tremors in the hands, then this means that addiction is already taking place. And what more severe symptoms- the greater the dependence. Therefore, before you take this remedy, consult your doctor, as the side effects are quite serious, and the consequences of taking it can be very unpredictable.

Trade name of the drug: Caffeine sodium benzoate

International nonproprietary name:

caffeine

Dosage form:

solution for subcutaneous and subconjunctival administration

Compound

1 ml of solution contains 100 mg or 200 mg of sodium caffeine benzoate as active substance And Excipients- sodium hydroxide 0.1 M solution and water for injection.

Description

Transparent colorless or slightly colored liquid.

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

psychostimulant

ATX Code:

Pharmacodynamics

It has a psychostimulating and analeptic effect. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system (CNS), increasing excitation in the cerebral cortex, respiratory and vascular-motor centers, activates conditioned reflexes and physical performance, reduces drowsiness and fatigue, causes deepening and rapid breathing, increases heart rate, increases blood pressure pressure during hypotension, dilates the bronchi, biliary tract, blood vessels skeletal muscles, reduces platelet aggregation, has moderate diuretic effect, stimulates secretion gastric juice, increases basal metabolism and enhances glycogenolysis, causing hyperglycemia. Multiple pharmacological effects the drug is caused by blockade of central and peripheral adenosine receptors. Inhibits phosphodiesterase, which leads to intracellular accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, under the influence of which glycogenolysis processes are enhanced, metabolic processes in organs and tissues are stimulated, including muscle tissue and the central nervous system.

When administered subconjunctivally, it improves microcirculation and activates the metabolic processes of the ciliary epithelium.

Pharmacokinetics

It is quickly distributed in all organs and tissues of the body, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. The half-life is 3.9-5.3 hours (sometimes up to 10 hours). Communication with blood proteins (albumin) - 15%. More than 90% is metabolized in the liver, in children of the first years of life up to 10-15%. Caffeine is metabolized in the liver (the main part is demethylated and oxidized) with the formation of 5 metabolites. Caffeine and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys (10% unchanged).

Indications for use

  • Decreased mental and physical performance, muscle weakness, drowsiness, migraine, moderate arterial hypotension, respiratory depression (including mild poisoning with opioid analgesics and sleeping pills, carbon monoxide, with asphyxia of newborns, restoration of the required level pulmonary ventilation after using general anesthesia).
  • Hypotension eyeball(after abdominal eye surgeries, ciliochoroidal retinal detachment, hypotonic retinal detachment).

Contraindicated

Hypersensitivity, organic diseases of the cardiovascular system (incl. acute heart attack myocardium, atherosclerosis), arterial hypertension, glaucoma, sleep disorders, increased excitability, elderly age, paroxysmal tachycardia, frequent ventricular extrasystole, epilepsy and a tendency to seizures. Pregnancy and lactation period.

Carefully: glaucoma, increased excitability, old age.

Directions for use and doses

Subcutaneously: adults 100 mg or 200 mg. The highest single dose for adults is 400 mg, the highest daily dose is 1 g. For children, 25-100 mg, depending on age. In ophthalmology, 30 mg is administered subconjunctivally once a day, daily. The number of injections depends on intraocular pressure and depth of the anterior chamber.

Side effect

From the nervous system: agitation, anxiety, tremor, headache, dizziness, epileptic seizures, increased tendon reflexes, tachypnea, insomnia. With sudden withdrawal - increased inhibition of the central nervous system, increased fatigue, drowsiness, increased muscle tone.

From the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, increased blood pressure.

From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, exacerbation of peptic ulcer.

Others: nasal congestion.

At long-term use Possible mild addiction (decreased action is due to the formation of new adenosine receptors in brain cells), drug dependence.

Overdose

Symptoms: increased severity of side effects. In newborns (including premature infants) the following are possible: anxiety, tachypnea, tachycardia, tremor, increased Moro reflex, with more high concentrations- convulsions.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy, oxygen therapy, hemodialysis. In newborns, if necessary, exchange blood transfusion.

Interaction with other drugs

At joint use caffeine and barbiturates, primidone, antiepileptic drugs (hydantoin derivatives, especially phenytoin) may increase metabolism and increase caffeine clearance.

Concomitant use with cimetidine, oral contraceptives, disulfiram, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin leads to a decrease in the metabolism of caffeine in the liver, a slowdown in its elimination and an increase in concentration in the blood.

When used with caffeinated beverages and other drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, excessive stimulation of the central nervous system is possible. Caffeine is an adenosine antagonist - large doses of adenosine may be required.

Mexiletine - reduces caffeine excretion by up to 50%; nicotine - increases the rate of caffeine elimination.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), furazolidone, procarbazine and selegiline - large doses of caffeine can cause the development of dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or a marked increase in blood pressure.

Caffeine reduces the effect of narcotic and sleeping pills medicines. Increases the excretion of lithium preparations (Li +) in the urine.

Accelerates absorption and enhances the effect of cardiac glycosides. increases their toxicity.

Concomitant use of caffeine with beta-blockers may lead to mutual suppression of therapeutic effects; with adrenergic bronchodilators - to additional stimulation of the central nervous system and other additive toxic effects.

Caffeine may decrease the clearance of theophylline and possibly other xanthines, increasing the potential for additive pharmacodynamic and toxic effects.

special instructions

It should be borne in mind that sudden cessation of use may lead to increased inhibition of the central nervous system (drowsiness, depression). The effect on the central nervous system can be manifested by both excitation and inhibition of higher nervous activity.

Release form

Solution for subcutaneous and subconjunctival administration 100 mg/ml or 200 mg/ml. 1 ml or 2 ml of 10% (100 mg/ml) or 20% (200 mg/ml) solution in neutral glass ampoules. 10 ampoules with instructions for use and a knife for opening ampoules or an ampoule scarifier in a cardboard box or 5 or 10 ampoules in a blister pack made of polyvinyl chloride film, 1 or 2 blister packs with instructions for use and a knife for opening ampoules or with an ampoule scarifier in a cardboard pack. When packaging ampoules with a break ring or break point, a knife for opening ampoules or an ampoule scarifier is not included.

Storage conditions

List B.

At temperatures from +15°C to +25°C Store out of the reach of children.

Best before date

6 years. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the packaging.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies:

on prescription.

The manufacturer accepts claims from buyers:

OJSC "Novosibkhimpharm", 630028, Russia, Novosibirsk, st. Dekabristov, 275

Included in the preparations

Included in the list (Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2782-r dated December 30, 2014):

VED

ATX:

N.06.B.C.01 Caffeine

Pharmacodynamics:

Antagonism of central adenosine receptors, stimulation of centers medulla oblongata(vagal, vasomotor and respiratory).

Stimulates the central nervous system, respiration, skeletal muscles, pepsin secretion and of hydrochloric acid in the gastrointestinal tract, glycogenolysis. Increases sensitivity respiratory center to stimulating effect carbon dioxide, increasing alveolar ventilation.

Increases the strength and frequency of heart contractions, cardiac output (positive inotropic effect on the myocardium and positive chronotropic effect on the sinoatrial node).

It has hypertensive and diuretic effects, stimulates cerebral vasoconstriction and reduces uterine contractility.

Pharmacokinetics:

The binding to plasma proteins is 25-36%. Biotransformation in the liver, in adults 80% of caffeine is metabolized into paraxanthine (1,7-dimethylxanthine), 10% into theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine) and 4% into (1,3-dimethylxanthine), compounds are demethylated into monomethylxanthines, and then into methylated derivatives uric acid. In premature babies it turns into. The half-life is 3-7 hours, in newborns - 65-130 hours, decreasing to adult levels at 4-7 months. Maximum concentration after 50-75 minutes. Excreted by the kidneys (in the form of metabolites, 1-2% unchanged), in newborns by the kidneys (85% unchanged).

Indications:

Diseases accompanied by depression of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems(including poisoning drugs, infectious diseases).

CNS depression.

Spasms of cerebral vessels (including migraine).

Decreased mental and physical performance.

Enuresis in children.

Drowsiness.

Breathing disorders ( periodic breathing, idiopathic apnea) in newborns.

V.F50-F59.F51.1 Drowsiness [hypersomnia] of non-organic etiology

IX.I70-I79.I73 Other peripheral vascular diseases

VI.G40-G47.G43 Migraine

XVIII.R30-R39.R32 Urinary incontinence, unspecified

XVIII.R50-R69.R53 Malaise and fatigue

XIX.T36-T50.T40 Poisoning with drugs and psychodysleptics [hallucinogens]

XXI.Z70-Z76.Z73.6 Restrictions in activity caused by reduction or loss of ability to work

Contraindications:

Individual intolerance, including to other xanthines.

Anxiety disorders(agoraphobia, panic disorder).

Organic diseases cardiovascular system (including acute myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis).

Paroxysmal tachycardia, frequent ventricular extrasystole.

Arterial hypertension.

Sleep disorders during therapy increased fatigue and drowsiness.

Childhood up to 12 years old.

Carefully:

Glaucoma.

Increased excitability.

Elderly age.

Epilepsy and tendency to seizures.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and lactation:

FDA category C recommendations. Increased risk of spontaneous abortion, delay intrauterine development, the appearance of arrhythmia in the fetus (high doses). Animal experiments: disturbance of skeletal development (fingers and individual phalanges) when using doses equivalent to the caffeine content of 12-24 cups of coffee per day, throughout pregnancy or with a single administration of large doses (50-100 mg/kg); in smaller doses - slowing down skeletal development.

Penetrates breast milk(1% of its concentration in maternal blood plasma). If a nursing mother drinks 6-8 cups of caffeine-containing drinks per day, the baby may develop hyperactivity and insomnia.

Directions for use and dosage:

Inside (regardless of food intake): adults - 0.05-0.1 g per dose 2-3 times a day (maximum daily dose - 1 g), children over 2 years old - 0.03-0.075 g per dose reception

P ri migraine (often in combination with non-narcotic analgesics and ergot alkaloids) - 1-2 tablets during an attack of pain, then - 1 tablet 2-3 times a day for several days (up to 1 month).

It is administered in the form of caffeine sodium benzoate subcutaneously: adults - 1 ml of 10% or 20% solution, children - 0.25-1 ml of 10% solution. To eliminate apnea in newborns - administered orally or intravenously(in the form of caffeine citrate), creating a concentration of caffeine base in the blood plasma from 3 to 10 mg/ml.

Side effects:

Nervous system: dizziness, headache, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, severe nervous excitement in newborns; tremor, sleep disturbance, muscle tension.

The cardiovascular system: cardiopalmus.

Digestive system: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, necrotizing enterocolitis.

Blood: hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia.

Overdose:

In case of overdose, pain in the abdomen or stomach is observed; agitation, anxiety, agitation or restlessness; confusion or delirium; dehydration; tachycardia, arrhythmia; frequent urination; headache; increased tactile or pain sensitivity; irritability; tremors or muscle twitching; nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood; painful, bloated belly or vomiting in newborns; ringing in the ears or sensation of other sounds; photopsia; epileptic seizures, usually clonic-tonic convulsions in acute overdose; sleep disturbance; trembling of the whole body in newborns.

Treatment is symptomatic - gastric lavage, if taken in the last 4 hours at a dose of more than 15 mg/kg and there was no vomiting caused by caffeine; , laxatives; at hemorrhagic gastritis- administration of antacid medications and gastric lavage with ice-cold 0.9% sodium chloride solution; maintaining pulmonary ventilation and oxygenation; at epileptic seizures- intravenously, - arrhythmias or severe hypertension (large doses); increased blood pressure and tachycardia (small doses).

Special instructions:

Sudden cessation of use may lead to increased inhibition of the central nervous system (drowsiness, depression).

The effect on the central nervous system depends on the type of nervous system and can manifest itself as both excitation and inhibition of higher nervous activity.

Due to the fact that the effect of caffeine on blood pressure consists of vascular and cardiac components, as a result, both the effect of stimulating the heart and inhibition (weak) of its activity can develop.

For apnea in newborns and infants in postoperative period(prevention) either caffeine citrate is used, but not caffeine sodium benzoate. Excessive consumption during pregnancy can lead to spontaneous abortions, slowing of intrauterine development of the fetus, arrhythmia in the fetus; There may be disturbances in skeletal development when using large doses and a slowdown in skeletal development when using lower doses. Passes into breast milk in small quantity, but accumulates in infants and can cause hyperactivity and insomnia.

Instructions

Being a psychostimulant and stimulant of the central nervous system, caffeine sodium benzoate is a derivative of methylxanthine. It inhibits the activity of special phosphodiestrases (PDE) enzymes in the heart, nervous system, organs and adipose tissue. In high doses, it accumulates in the body in the form of adrenaline derivatives cAMP and cGMP.

The synthetic drug, which is based on caffeine, is obtained from tea leaves and coffee seeds. It is produced in the form of tablets of 0.1 g, and there are 6 pieces in total in the package. There is also a solution in ampoules (20%), with a dosage of 1 ml.

Effects of caffeine tablets:

  • increases mental excitability;
  • helps to concentrate attention;
  • improves ;
  • reduces fatigue and delays its onset;
  • stimulates the release of adrenaline in the blood;
  • activates the fat burning process;
  • during intense training, it allows muscles to more actively use triglyceride (a source of nutrition);
  • increases muscle activity in people involved in strength sports: participates in calcium metabolism, maintains the potential of muscle membranes.

In small doses it stimulates the central nervous system, and in large doses, on the contrary, it depresses it. After taking caffeine-sodium benzoate, breathing becomes deep and rapid, the blood vessels dilate and the tone of the cerebral arteries increases.

The decrease is normalized and slightly increases when taking caffeine. In addition, caffeine promotes the production of gastric juice and is also a weak diuretic. Due to this, the kidney vessels dilate, filtration in the kidneys increases. renal glomeruli. Caffeine slows down the process of “gluing”, that is, platelet aggregation.

Scheme of use of caffeine-sodium benzoate

Caffeine tablets can be taken throughout the day, regardless of meals. Immediately before going to bed, MirSovetov recommends not taking pills, as it will be difficult to fall asleep. To improve performance and eliminate drowsiness, adolescents and adults take 50-100 mg of the drug up to 3 times a day. The course of treatment usually ranges from several weeks to two months.

To relieve an attack, children over 12 years of age and adults are recommended to take 50-100 mg of caffeine in tablets 2 times a day for 3 days.

For the treatment of hypotension, children over 12 years of age and adults are prescribed a similar dose of the drug 3 times a day. The treatment period usually lasts several weeks.

When consuming caffeine-sodium benzoate, it is important to observe permissible dose. Maximum single dosage– 300 mg, and daily – 1000 mg.

Application for weight loss

It is believed that the recommended dosage of caffeine to stimulate the nervous system is not at all effective for weight loss, since in order to burn overweight, you need to use other doses. If a person with overweight If he plays sports, then before each workout he needs to take from 9 to 20 mg of the drug in tablets per 1 kg of body weight. Only in this case will it be possible to accelerate the work of the heart and speed up all metabolic processes. You need to drink 30 minutes before the start of training, and reducing the dose, according to athletes, will not have the desired stimulating effect.

Doctors, in turn, advise not to rush and start taking caffeine at 2 mg/kg, gradually increasing the dose.

Side effects of caffeine tablets

Before you start a course of taking sodium benzoate, you need to check how the body reacts to main component drug. If after the first day of treatment the body does not react negatively to caffeine, then you can continue therapy.

If you use it on your own or if you do not follow your doctor’s recommendations, you may experience a feeling of anxiety and restlessness. Usually by-effect manifested by headache and general malaise. Sometimes when visiting a doctor, the patient complains of nasal congestion and vomiting, as well as exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease.

Abrupt withdrawal of the drug can lead to inhibition of reactions and fatigue.

The following symptoms are contraindications to the use of sodium benzoate with caffeine:

  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • caffeine allergy and intolerance;
  • anxiety disorders;
  • paroxysmal tachycardia;
  • high blood pressure;
  • sleep disorders;
  • age up to 12 years.

Older people, those with eye diseases, and those with a tendency to convulsions and seizures should take the pills with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take caffeine tablets only as directed by a doctor. At simultaneous administration the drug with oral contraceptives, the activity of caffeine decreases, it is eliminated more slowly by the liver and accumulates in the blood.

To prevent hyperstimulation of the nervous system, it is better to avoid combining sodium benzoate tablets with coffee and other substances containing caffeine. It is also important to consider that caffeine can inhibit the absorption of calcium into gastrointestinal tract. It also reduces the effectiveness of sleeping pills and narcotics, promotes active absorption of cardiac glycosides and excretion of lithium in the urine.

Overdose symptoms

Excess daily norm Taking caffeine in tablets (300 mg) is fraught with the following consequences for a person:

  • dizziness;
  • increased heart rate;
  • nausea;
  • confusion;
  • restlessness and tremors.

Having felt the negative effects of the drug, you urgently need to do a gastric lavage, take a laxative and a laxative, which adsorbs toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract. In people with chronic diseases stomach after an overdose of caffeine, gastritis can be greatly aggravated. In this case, you should contact medical institution, where the doctor can promptly rinse the stomach with a special solution and introduce antacid. When convulsions occur caused by a high concentration of caffeine in the blood, the patient is administered antiepileptic drugs intravenously.

After much research, scientists were able to determine lethal dose tablets of sodium benzoate with caffeine, and this is what we managed to record. Positive effect caffeine on the body is observed when taking from 1 to 5 mg per 1 kg of human body weight. That is, with a weight of 70 kg you can take from 70 to 350 mg of the drug, but no more. For people who do not regularly consume caffeine, the effect of taking it is much greater.

Each time you increase the dose of a medicine, the likelihood of an overdose increases. Shrinks first total time sleep, its quality decreases. Then headaches, insomnia and anxiety appear. Next trick above permissible norm is fraught with rapid heartbeat and muscle twitching. A gastrointestinal tract disorder appears.

People addicted to caffeine pills usually suffer from mental disorders. Regularly overdosing caffeine may one day play a role cruel joke against a person. Scientists have proven that a dose of sodium benzoate with caffeine of 100-200 mg per 1 kg of weight is lethal for humans. After a fatal overdose, consciousness turns off, spasms appear and death. It follows: a dose of more than 18 g of caffeine per day is life-threatening.

If you take caffeine tablets every day, you should be aware that abruptly stopping treatment leads to depression of the central nervous system. Each organism is individual, therefore the effect on the central nervous system may be different: one person will notice a surge of vigor and strength, while another will experience depression and drowsiness. The same effect occurs on the heart.

Constant use of sodium benzoate with caffeine during pregnancy can lead to spontaneous heart problems in the fetus and a slowdown in its development. In small quantities, the drug passes into breast milk, and after feeding the baby, he may experience insomnia and excessive activity.