Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Caffeine

Definition

Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system.

Purpose

Caffeine makes people more alert, less drowsy, and improves coordination. Combined with certain pain relievers or medicines for treating migraine headache, caffeine makes those drugs work more quickly and effectively. Caffeine alone can also help relieve headaches. Antihistamines are sometimes combined with caffeine to counteract the drowsiness that those drugs cause. Caffeine is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, including breathing problems in newborns and in young babies after surgery.

Description

Caffeine is found naturally in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Colas and some other soft drinks...