Caffeine interactions:
Caffeine is classified as a methylxanthine and stimulant which should be avoided when taking medications including theophylline, aminophylline and pentoxyfylline which may potentiate the effects of these drugs. These are compounds which act as heart related stimulants, diuretics, and muscle relaxants. These substances have been reported to cause seizures in individuals without known epilepsy. The severity of seizures and damage to cells seen by methylxanthines use is related to timing, dose, and frequency of use (a few times vs long-term chronic use). (32)
Fibrocystic breast disease and caffeine:
The subject of caffeine and fibrocystic breasts is controversial. Research supports both that caffeine may increase breast pain in this condition and possibly affect hormone levels leading to the condition. Other studies have shown that decreasing caffeine intake does not result in improvement. In several studies, a positive link was found between consumption of methylxanthines such as caffeine, theophylline, aminophylline and pentoxyfylline and the level of painful, lumpy breasts (fibrocystic breast disease). The positive association of caffeine and total methylxanthines (from dietary and drug sources) to fibrocystic breast disease needs further research. (33)