Drug Index

Caffeine

White, bitter, crystalline substance, found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa leaves, kola nuts. Available in tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, medication.

Medical Uses

Coffee was introduced into Europe from Africa some 1,000 years ago. Caffeine is an ingredient in many prescription and non-prescription pain relievers, cold remedies and stimulant mixtures.

Short Term Effects

Increased metabolic rate, blood pressure, urination, body temperature. Caffeine shortens sleep, stimulates secretion of stomach acid, decreases appetite, causes hand-tremor, impairs fine coordination of movement nervousness, delirium. Fatal dose of the pure substance is about 3.2g taken intravenously or about 10g taken orally.

Long Term Effects

Regular use of more than 600 mg a day (about eight cups of coffee) can cause chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety and depression, stomach upset. Heavy use of caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy, since recent research has identified possible links between heavy caffeine use and birth problems.

Tolerance and Dependance

Regular consumption of 350mg of caffeine (four cups of coffee) a day leads to a form of physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include severe headache, irritability, fatigue.

Legal Status

Although there are no laws in Canada governing the distribution or use of caffeine in foods, caffeine-containing dosage forms offered for sale or sold in Canada must comply with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations respecting content, labelling, etc. Violation of the Act or Regulations is an offence punishable on indictment by a fine of up to $5,000 or by imprisonment for up to three years, or both, and on summary conviction fora first offence by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to three months, or both, and for a subsequent offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

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