Caffein can cause polypharmacy

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Caffeine can contribute to polypharmacy

Caffeine is a widely available and most commonly used drug, people use it usually through coffee, and is often found in energy drinks as well, a small quantity of caffeine is also present in tea,caffeine is also present in some over the counter medicine for alertness but it is very important to take a notice of its intake as it can lead to polypharmacy.
 


 

Insomnia and anxiety

Being a CNS stimulant, caffeine often can cause insomnia in patients with regular overdose of caffeine, I have seen people complaining they can't sleep after taking coffee or drugs like panadol extra(paracetamol+caffeine) and they have to take first-generation anti-histamines and benzodiazepines to sleep.

Cardiovascular  

Caffeine can stimulate your heart and often lead to tachycardia and high blood pressure but these effects are dose-dependent and people have to use beta blockers and CCB such as verapamil and diltiazem to counter that effect.

Urinary affects

Caffeine can cause diuresis as well, this effect increases with the dose and is often seen in elderly patients having urinary urgency. You will see a patient with an overactive bladder asking for oxybutynin and tolterodine, make sure his/her caffein intake is needed to be assesed.

GI Tract

Caffeine can upset your stomach and can exacerbate GERD/peptic ulcer disease, if you don't wanna add PPI and H2 receptor blockers to your medicine list, you surely need to asses your caffeine intake.  
 
                                                                                                                  Dr.Umair(Rph)
                                                                                               umairmian666@gmail.com

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