Pharmacologic management of apnea of prematurity

Apnea of prematurity is one of the most common problems in the neonatal intensive care unit. Management of premature infants with apnea involves pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies. Drugs such as theophylline and caffeine are used when nonpharmacologic measures are ineffective. The article discusses the different types of apnea seen in premature infants, how these drugs affect premature infants, how to recognize early signs of toxicity, and implications for nursing assessment and management.