Why Is Caffeine Used in the NICU?
It can be surprising to hear that your premature baby is receiving caffeine. In the NICU, caffeine is a commonly used medication that helps stimulate the part of the brain that controls breathing.
Premature babies have immature respiratory control and may temporarily stop breathing. These episodes are known as apnea of prematurity.
How Does Caffeine Help?
Caffeine stimulates your baby's respiratory system and can help:
Reduce the number of apnea episodes
Improve the drive to breathe
Reduce associated drops in heart rate or oxygen saturation
Caffeine is often given once a day and may be given by IV or by mouth, depending on your baby's stage of care.
How Long Will My Baby Need Caffeine?
As premature babies mature, the brain becomes better at regulating breathing. Many babies eventually outgrow apnea of prematurity and no longer need caffeine.
When and how caffeine is discontinued depends on your baby's gestational age, breathing pattern, recent apnea events and overall clinical condition.
Your NICU team will determine when your baby is ready to stop the medication and continue monitoring for apnea, bradycardia or desaturation events.
What Should Parents Know?
Receiving caffeine does not mean your baby will need it long-term. For many premature babies, it is temporary support while the brain and respiratory system mature.
And despite the familiar name, NICU caffeine isn't a cup of coffee in tiny form. It is a carefully dosed medication—most commonly caffeine citrate—prescribed specifically for your baby's needs.
