Coffee, tea and other beverages may contain caffeine. Caffeine is a methylxanthine found in over the counter products and in prescription medications. Small premature infants with mild respiratory distress shortly after birth may be treated with theophylline or caffeine. In neonates, a significant amount of theophylline is converted to caffeine. Since the demethylation pathway of theophylline is relatively undeveloped, caffeine levels may be elevated. Caffeine clearance rates typically reach adult values at about 3-4 months of age.
1.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial
5 days Ambient (Transport)
7 days Refrigerated
Collect as a trough just prior to next dose
0.3 mL Serum
8.0-20.0 mg/L
Potentially toxic: < 40 mcg/mL
Lethal: 79-181 mcg/mL
Coffee, tea and other beverages may contain caffeine. Caffeine is a methylxanthine found in over the counter products and in prescription medications. Small premature infants with mild respiratory distress shortly after birth may be treated with theophylline or caffeine. In neonates, a significant amount of theophylline is converted to caffeine. Since the demethylation pathway of theophylline is relatively undeveloped, caffeine levels may be elevated. Caffeine clearance rates typically reach adult values at about 3-4 months of age.
2 to 5 days
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