Investigating the Impact of Caffeine on the Effectiveness of Chlorpheniramine maleate tablets

Authors: William Kelly, Zhong Wang, Alice Kelly, Lawrence Lan, Zhenyu Sheng

SUNY Campus: Suffolk County Community College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 47

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: The potential interactions between over-the-counter (OTC) medications and caffeine are a growing concern due to the widespread consumption of both. This study investigates whether active ingredients in ChlorTabs tablets (Chlorpheniramine maleate) react when combined with caffeine, which could affect their stability, efficacy, or safety. Two analytical methods, spectrophotometric analysis and solution conductivity measurements, were used to study the effectiveness of chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, a kind of allergy relief medicine, in various liquids containing caffeine. Samples were prepared by mixing specific doses of Chlorpheniramine maleate with various caffeine-containing solutions under normal temperature and pressure conditions. Visible spectroscopy provided a rapid assessment of structural changes and interaction patterns. The conductivity test was used to confirm the assessment. Preliminary results show that these caffeine-containing solutions may have minor to moderate interactions with the active ingredients of the medicine depending on factors such as the concentration of the solutions. This research highlights the importance of understanding drug-caffeine interactions to ensure medication safety and efficacy. Further studies on the simulation of the reaction mechanism and structural changes between caffeine and chlorpheniramine were discussed as well.