Caffeine tablets are a cardiac stimulant to normalize blood pressure. Medicinal reference book geotar

The product is produced in the form of tablets in blister packaging. The main substance is caffeine (in the form of sodium benzoate).

The drug Caffeine in tablets has a psychostimulating, analeptic, cardiotonic effect. The stimulating effect on the central nervous system, which is exhibited by the drug Caffeine in tablets, stimulates the vasomotor and respiratory centers, causes an increase in reflex excitability of the spinal cord, enhances and regulates excitation processes in the cerebral cortex.

As a result, physical and mental performance, drowsiness and fatigue decrease, strength and heart rate increase, which is especially noticeable in large doses. For hypotension, without changing normal pressure the drug is able to increase blood pressure. In addition, they are expanding blood vessels skeletal muscles, kidneys, heart, bronchi and narrowing of organs abdominal cavity. Secretory function At the same time, the stomach level increases, platelet aggregation decreases. The drug blocks peripheral and central adenosine receptors and exhibits a moderate diuretic effect, stabilizes transmission at beta-adrenergic synapses medulla oblongata and hypothalamus, dopaminergic synapses, noradrenergic synapses, cholinergic synapses of the medulla oblongata and cortex.

The effectiveness of koeyin tablets varies markedly depending on the type nervous system patient, and therefore should be prescribed taking into account individual characteristics nervous activity person.

Indications for the use of caffeine tablets

The drug is prescribed for the treatment of diseases in which the functions of the central nervous system are inhibited, respiratory systems s, cardiovascular system, including drug poisoning, infectious diseases and others.

Caffeine is also used for cerebral vascular spasms, to increase physical and mental performance, for breathing problems, to eliminate drowsiness, and enuresis in children.

Contraindications

The drug is not prescribed for organic diseases of the cardiovascular system, including atherosclerosis, severe arterial hypertension, increased excitability, sleep disorders, glaucoma, and old age.

Side effects

When using the drug, manifestations of agitation, anxiety, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, insomnia, arrhythmia, nausea and vomiting are possible. Long-term use of the product is fraught with possible mild addiction. At the same time, it decreases, which is due to the formation of new adenosine receptors in brain cells. If you suddenly stop drinking caffeine, there may be increased inhibition of the central nervous system, resulting in fatigue, depression and drowsiness.

Use of caffeine tablets and doses

The drug is prescribed orally at a dose of 25-100 milligrams up to three times a day.

For adults, the maximum single dose is 0.4 grams, and the daily dose is 1 gram.

The drug reduces the effectiveness of narcotic and sleeping pills, but increases, due to improved bioavailability, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, other non-narcotic analgesics. The drug improves the absorption of ergotamine in gastrointestinal tract.

Overdose

In case of excessive consumption of caffeine (more than 0.3 grams per day, which corresponds to four 150 ml), restlessness, anxiety, confusion, tremor, headache, and cardiac extrasystoles may occur.

Caffeine is an alkaloid, as chemists say, of the purine series. Purin is organic compound, containing two cycles, and is part of many organic substances - amino acids, etc. And alkaloids are a very large group of nitrogen-containing substances plant origin, many of which provide strong effect on the nervous system (morphine, atropine, nicotine, cocaine), and some are strong poisons, used, for example, by the American Indians for hunting (tubocurarine). Purine alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, etc.) have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and also have diuretic effect(accelerate urine formation). Therefore, by the way, it is not recommended to drink coffee before traveling, especially for girls.

Caffeine as a stimulant


In connection with the above, caffeine is often used as a psychostimulant, and most often its source is drinks based on caffeine-containing plants: coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana, mate, etc. However, caffeine is also used in medicine, therefore it is available in tablets and capsules. Doctors use it to eliminate headaches (especially in combination with analgesics), to enhance breathing and cardiac activity, to stimulate mental activity and promotions physical performance, to relieve lethargy and drowsiness.

Mechanism of action of caffeine

The main effect of caffeine is due to its ability to block phosphodiesterase, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of cAMP, a secondary transmitter necessary for the action of certain hormones, in particular adrenaline. As a result, the effects of adrenaline accumulate and intensify, leading to increased cardiac activity, nervous activity and other phenomena.

Another mechanism of action of caffeine is due to its ability to bind to adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine has an inhibitory effect, so the occupation of receptors by caffeine leads to a weakening of the inhibition processes and an increase in excitation.

Caffeine in sports


First of all, caffeine is used by athletes as a stimulant (energy booster), which allows them to temporarily improve mood and performance. Caffeine improves concentration, neuromuscular interaction, and helps you train more focused and efficiently.

Another important one for sports, fitness and healthy image The life effect of caffeine is that it stimulates the breakdown of adipose tissue, increasing the amount of fatty acids in the blood. This has two important consequences: reduction of body fat (which is why caffeine is a component of most fat burners) and allows the use of fatty acid to produce energy by working muscles, saving glycogen and thus increasing work time, that is, increasing endurance.

There are numerous facts and serious studies that indicate the benefits of caffeine for athletes - it improves the performance of swimmers, rowers, increases testosterone levels, etc., but it is believed that in high-intensity sports caffeine is not as effective as in those where endurance is important .

Caffeine and creatine

Previous ideas that caffeine destroys creatine are not confirmed scientific research, but since creatine and caffeine act as antagonists in a number of energy metabolic processes, their combined effectiveness will be lower than when taken separately. As a result, it turns out that combining these substances is possible, but not very effective.

Caffeine addiction


Caffeine is traditionally believed to be addictive. However, modern science doesn't confirm this. Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors. To compensate, the body creates new receptors. Therefore, the effectiveness of caffeine decreases after some time. However, when you stop using it, the “extra” receptors are deactivated. This process takes about a day. So if addiction does occur, it can only be of a psychological nature, akin to an attachment to the taste and aromatic properties of coffee, tea, cola and other caffeine-containing drinks.

The harm of caffeine is not associated with addiction (which is absent), but with exhaustion of the nervous system, which occurs in the case of regular systematic use of significant doses of caffeine and lack of rest for the central nervous system, as well as with the possibility of overdose. It is believed that the dose of caffeine for an adult healthy person should not exceed 400 mg per day. For pregnant women, children and adolescents, as well as people with a tendency to work disorders of cardio-vascular system this maximum dose should be lower - 300 mg or even 200 mg per day.

How to consume caffeine


Traditionally, caffeine is consumed in the form of caffeine-containing drinks: coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana, and various energy drinks. In them (with the exception of energy drinks), caffeine is present in a natural form, often associated with other substances. As a result, caffeine has a milder and longer-lasting effect than pure synthetic caffeine. At the same time, caffeine is available in tablets, capsules and other common forms. pharmacological drugs. Caffeine capsules are convenient for those who do not want or cannot take it in coffee and other drinks. You just need to keep in mind that caffeine in capsules or tablets acts more harshly than caffeine in drinks based on natural ingredients. ABON BIOPHARM (Hangzhou) Co., LTD BELMEDPREPRATY, RUP Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH and Co.KG Biokhimik, OJSC Borisov Plant medical supplies, OJSC Borisov Medical Preparations Plant, RUE Dalkhimfarm OJSC Moscow Endocrine Plant, Federal State Unitary Enterprise Moskhimfarmpreparaty Federal State Unitary Enterprise named after. Semashko Moskhimfarmpreparaty named after N.A. Semashko, OJSC POLIPHARM ICN POLIPHARM, LLC Tatkhimfarmpreparaty OJSC THFZ ICN Usolye-Sibirsky chemical farm plant, OJSC Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm, OJSC

Country of origin

Republic of Belarus Russia

Product group

Nervous system

Psychostimulant and analeptic.

Release forms

  • 1 ml - ampoules (10) - cardboard packs. 6 - cell-free contour packages. 6 - cell-free contour packages. tablets ao 100.0 mg ---10 pieces in a blister pack

Description of the dosage form

  • Solution for subcutaneous and subconjunctival administration Tablets Tablets white flat-cylindrical shape with a chamfer and a notch.

pharmachologic effect

Caffeine is a methylxanthine that has a psychostimulant and analeptic effect. Competitively blocks central and peripheral AT and A2 adenosine receptors. Inhibits the activity of phosphodiesterase in the central nervous system, heart, smooth and striated muscle tissue, adipose tissue, promotes the accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate ( this effect observed with only high doses of caffeine). Stimulates the centers of the medulla oblongata (respiratory and vasomotor), as well as the center vagus nerve, has a direct stimulating effect on the cerebral cortex. In high doses, it facilitates interneuronal conduction in the spinal cord, enhancing reflexes. Increases mental and physical performance, stimulates mental activity, motor activity, shortens reaction time, temporarily reduces fatigue and drowsiness. IN low doses the stimulation effect predominates, and in large cases the effect of depression of the nervous system predominates. It quickens and deepens breathing, usually has a positive ino-, chrono-, batmo- and dromotropic effect (since the effect on the cardiovascular system consists of a direct stimulating effect on the myocardium and a simultaneous stimulating effect on the center of the vagus nerve, the resulting effect depends on the predominance one action or another). Stimulates the vasomotor center and has a direct relaxing effect on vascular wall, which leads to dilation of the blood vessels of the heart, skeletal muscles and kidneys, while tone cerebral arteries increases (causes constriction of cerebral vessels, which is accompanied by a decrease in cerebral blood flow). Blood pressure changes under the influence of vascular and cardiac mechanisms of the influence of caffeine: with normal initial blood pressure, caffeine does not change or slightly increases it, with arterial hypotension raises it. It has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles (including a bronchodilator effect), and a stimulating effect on striated muscles. Increases gastric secretory activity and diuresis (decreased reabsorption of sodium and water in the proximal and distal renal tubules, as well as dilation of renal vessels and increased filtration in renal glomeruli). Reduces platelet aggregation and histamine release from mast cells. Increases basal metabolism: increases glycogenolysis, increases lipolysis.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, absorption is good; occurs throughout the intestine. It is quickly distributed in all organs and tissues of the body, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. The maximum concentration in blood plasma is achieved after 50-75 minutes; 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 dimethylated and oxidized) with the formation of 5 metabolites. Caffeine and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys (10% unchanged).

Special conditions

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 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. Do not take before bedtime. Impact on the ability to drive vehicles. Wed and mechanisms During the treatment period, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in potentially dangerous activities dangerous species activities requiring concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Compound

  • 1 ml caffeine sodium benzoate 200 mg caffeine 0.1 g; Auxiliary ingredients: potato starch, calcium stearate

Caffeine sodium benzoate indications for use

  • Diseases accompanied by depression of the central nervous system, functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (including poisoning with opioid analgesics, infectious diseases), spasms of cerebral vessels, decreased mental and physical performance, drowsiness.

Caffeine-sodium benzoate contraindications

Caffeine-sodium benzoate dosage

  • 0.1 g 100 mg 200 mg/ml

Caffeine sodium benzoate side effects

Drug interactions

Caffeine is an adenosine antagonist (larger doses of adenosine may be required). With the combined use of caffeine and barbiturates, primidone, anticonvulsants medicines(hydantoin derivatives, especially phenytoin) may increase metabolism and increase caffeine clearance; cimetidine, oral contraceptives, disulfiram, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin - decreased metabolism of caffeine in the liver.. (slowing its excretion and increasing its concentration in the blood). Caffeine-containing drinks and other drugs that stimulate the central nervous system - excessive stimulation of the central nervous system is possible. - Mexiletine - reduces caffeine excretion by 50%; nicotine - increases the rate of caffeine elimination. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, furazolidone, procarbazine and selegiline - large doses of caffeine (more than 300 mg / day) can cause the development of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or a pronounced increase in blood pressure. Caffeine reduces the absorption of calcium preparations in the gastrointestinal tract. Reduces the effectiveness of narcotic and sleeping pills. Increases the excretion of lithium drugs in the urine; Accelerates absorption and enhances the effect of cardiac glycosides, increasing their toxicity. Concomitant use with beta-blockers can lead to mutual suppression therapeutic effects; with β-adrenergic agonists - to additional stimulation of the central nervous system and other additive toxic effects. Caffeine may decrease clearance; theophylline and possibly other xanthines, increasing the potential for additive pharmacodynamic and toxic effects.

Storage conditions

  • store in a dry place
  • store at room temperature 15-25 degrees
  • keep away from children
Information provided

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 gastric juice, and is also a weak diuretic. Due to this, the vessels of the kidneys dilate, and filtration in the renal glomeruli increases. 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. Typically the side effect is 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 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 in the 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 it myself Negative consequences drug, you urgently need to do a gastric lavage, take a laxative and, 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 appointment higher 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 quantity the drug penetrates into breast milk, and after feeding the baby, he may experience insomnia and excessive activity.

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, carbon-based organic compound that belongs to a class of substances called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are used for excitatory stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) and the 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

Let us remember that the head and spinal cord are the main ones 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 impaired performance. cardiovascular system. 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 usually dose dependent; If you don't overuse caffeine, you can avoid most of them and not even know they exist. Like most chemical substances, the difference between medicine and poison is only in the 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 by 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 doesn't make much difference for manifestation 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, when you can swallow several “shot doses” of 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!