Alert Side Effects

Generic name: caffeine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2024.

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

Applies to caffeine: solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral solution, oral tablet
• intravenous solution

Serious side effects of Alert

Along with its needed effects, caffeine (the active ingredient contained in 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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking caffeine:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hyperglycemia, including blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination, ketones in urine, loss of appetite, nausea, stomachache, tiredness, troubled breathing, unusual thirst, or vomiting (in newborn babies)
• hypoglycemia, including anxious feeling, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, nausea, nervousness, restless sleep, shakiness, or unusual tiredness or weakness (in newborn babies)
• irritability, nervousness, or severe jitters (in newborn babies)
• nausea (severe)
• tremors
• trouble in sleeping
• vomiting

Rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach bloating
• dehydration
• diarrhea (bloody)
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal or stomach pain
• agitation, anxiety, excitement, or restlessness
• confusion or delirium
• convulsions (seizures)—in acute overdose
• dehydration
• faster breathing rate
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• frequent urination
• headache
• increased sensitivity to touch or pain
• irritability
• muscle trembling or twitching
• nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood
• overextending the body with head and heels bent backward and body bowed forward
• painful, swollen abdomen or vomiting (in newborn babies)
• ringing or other sounds in ears
• seeing flashes of "zig-zag" lights
• whole-body tremors (in newborn babies)

Other side effects of 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 side effects

• nausea (mild)
• nervousness or jitters (mild)
• anxiety
• dizziness
• headache
• irritability
• muscle tension
• nausea
• nervousness
• stuffy nose
• unusual tiredness

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time, check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

Long-term follow-up studies have not shown caffeine (the active ingredient contained in 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

• How much caffeine is in Excedrin Migraine?
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Further information

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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer