Caffeine citrate in the NICU.

Administering caffeine citrate is a safe, noninvasive way to treat premature infants with persistent apnea. This drug decreases the frequency of apneic episodes, thus reducing the need for mechanical ventilation. It is given once a day, either orally or intravenously. Ideally, caffeine citrate can treat apnea of prematurity and prevent insults to the premature infant's neurological status.