Keep Alert Side Effects

Generic name: caffeine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 20, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Keep Alert Side Effects associated with caffeine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Keep Alert.

Applies to caffeine: oral solution, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution
• solution

Serious side effects of Keep Alert

Along with its needed effects, caffeine (the active ingredient contained in Keep Alert) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking caffeine:

More common

• feeding intolerance

Less common

• agitation
• black, tarry stools
• blood in the stools or urine
• bruising
• burning feeling or tenderness in the stomach
• chills
• coma
• confusion
• coughing or vomiting blood
• decreased urine output
• depression
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• headache
• hostility
• indigestion
• irritability
• lethargy
• lightheadedness
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• persistent bleeding
• rapid, shallow breathing
• rapid weight gain
• rash
• seizures
• severe stomach pain
• stomach upset
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking caffeine:

Symptoms of overdose

• irritability
• nervousness
• rapid heartbeat
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects of Keep Alert

Some side effects of caffeine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• rash

Less common

• dry skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to caffeine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral gum, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet dispersible, oral tablet extended release.

General

Long-term follow-up studies have not shown caffeine (the active ingredient contained in Keep Alert) to adversely affect neurological development or growth parameters.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 17.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Necrotizing enterocolitis, gastritis, GI hemorrhage, gastroesophageal reflux, dilated bowel loops
• Frequency not reported: Increased gastric aspirate, GI intolerance, vomiting, regurgitation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hemorrhage, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arrhythmia
• Frequency not reported: Increased left ventricular output, increased stroke volume, hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, dry skin, skin breakdown^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Disseminated intravascular coagulation, anemia
• Frequency not reported: Decreased hemoglobin^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Kidney failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acidosis, hyperglycemia
• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia, temporary reduced weight gain, decreased thyroxine^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Cerebral hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Convulsions/seizures
• Frequency not reported: Irritability, restlessness, jitteriness, tremors, brain injury^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Retinopathy of prematurity^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Perinatal disorder (trace aspirates, feeding intolerances), injection site reaction, sepsis, accidental injury, abnormal healing, infusion site phlebitis and inflammation
• Frequency not reported: Failure to thrive, deafness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, lung edema
• Frequency not reported: Tachypnea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Increased urine flow rate, increased creatinine clearance, increased sodium and calcium excretion^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Keep Alert side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer