Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Metabolism of Caffeine in Newborns

The plasma elimination half-life of caffeine in the newborn is approximately 100 hours. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed with complete bioavailability following oral dosing. Switching between parenteral and oral administration requires no dose adjustments. Caffeine has wide interindividual pharmacodynamic variability and a wide therapeutic index in preterm newborns. Thresholds of measurable efficacy on respiratory drive have been documented at plasma levels around 2 mg/L. At these low levels, caffeine competitively inhibits adenosine receptors (A1 and A2A).
Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research