Caffeine in the treatment of pain

Abstract

Background and objectives: Caffeine is a widely used substance with effects on several systems, presenting characteristic of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic which cause interactions with several drugs. This study's objective is to review the effects caused by caffeine.

Content: This review assesses the caffeine pharmacology, its action mechanisms, indications, contraindications, doses, interactions and adverse effects.

Conclusions: There are insufficient double-blind randomized controlled studies that assess the analgesic effect of caffeine on several painful syndromes. Patients presenting chronic pain need caution when it comes to tolerance development, abstinence and drug interaction from chronic caffeine use.