快樂小藥師 Im pharmacist nichts glücklich

FDA對純咖啡因粉提出安全警告

聯邦食品藥物管理局 (FDA)說，這些產品基本上是百分之百的咖啡因，一小茶匙就相當於25杯咖啡。FDA建議消費者避免使用純粹的咖啡因粉，警告父母，青少年和年輕人可能受到吸引，以為可用以提神。

聲明中說，純咖啡因是強效興奮劑，極少量就可能意外過量，造成心跳急促、痙攣、嘔吐、腹瀉、神志恍惚和心神混亂等症狀。

FDA說，用普通廚房量具正確量出純咖啡因粉的份量幾不可能，很容易就吃下致命劑量。

本月稍早俄亥俄州有個18歲青年因咖啡因過量喪生，事後在他家裡找到幾袋咖啡因粉。

消費者團體表示，政府當局有必要對這類產品加強管制。科學公益中心說，食品供應過度使用和誤用咖啡，正造成市場亂無法紀，現在是主管當局注意這種問題並採取行動的時候。

Key Message

The FDA is warning about powdered pure caffeine being marketed directly to consumers, and recommends avoiding these products. In particular, FDA is concerned about powdered pure caffeine sold in bulk bags over the internet.

The FDA is aware of at least one death of a teenager who used these products.

These products are essentially 100 percent caffeine. A single teaspoon of pure caffeine is roughly equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.

Pure caffeine is a powerful stimulant and very small amounts may cause accidental overdose. Parents should be aware that these products may be attractive to young people.

Symptoms of caffeine overdose can include rapid or dangerously erratic heartbeat, seizures and death. Vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and disorientation are also symptoms of caffeine toxicity. These symptoms are likely to be much more severe than those resulting from drinking too much coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages.

Who should know

All consumers seeking caffeinated products should be aware of the potentially high potency of these powdered pure caffeine products. Parents should recognize that teenagers and young adults may be drawn to these products for their perceived benefits.

What to do

• The FDA advises consumers to avoid powdered pure caffeine.

• It is nearly impossible to accurately measure powdered pure caffeine with common kitchen measuring tools and you can easily consume a lethal amount.

• If you believe that you are having an adverse event related to caffeine, stop using it and seek immediate medical care or advice.

• The FDA wants to know about adverse events associated with powdered pure caffeine and other highly caffeinated products. You or your health care provider can help by reporting these adverse events to FDA in the following ways:

• By phone at 240-402-2405

• By email at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov

Why this advice is important

Pure caffeine products are potentially dangerous, and serious adverse events can result, including death. People with pre-existing heart conditions should not use them.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/default.htm

The above message comes from FDA, who is solely responsible for its content.