Doctors Find Caffeine, Viagra Help Premature Babies Develop

The drugs, which both affect blood vessels, can help to treat underdeveloped lungs and nervous systems.

Viagra and caffeine aren't typically something doctors would encourage parents to give their babies, but some specialists have found they could hold the key to helping prematurely born infants survive.

When an infant arrives before delivery date, he or she may have underdeveloped lungs and central nervous systems.

So doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and many other institutions are using caffeine or Viagra - both of which affect blood vessels - to change blood flow and help the babies survive.”

"We’ve actually found that with small premature infants their breathing is actually stronger and better on caffeine," said Dr. Paige Jackson, a neonatologist at Children’s Hospital. "We use Viagra if we need to improve blood flow to the baby’s lungs."

In much smaller doses than prescribed to adults, the babies are given the medicines either orally or through an injection.

New mom Michelle Gonzalez had twins Lili Faith and Lia Hope three months early. Both weighed under two pounds.

"It was a very scary first night, you know, with Lia," Gonzalez said. "They kept saying she was really sick and they weren’t sure if she was going to make it."

Both babies were given caffeine, which works by stimulating a premature baby’s tiny diaphragm, lungs and brain.

"They are half Columbian, so they are starting with their lattes early," Gonzalez said, laughing.

The twins, now two months old, have done well on the treatment and should go home within a few weeks.

Gonzalez said she’s grateful for how her little girls have improved.

"They’re Hope and Faith for a reason and they are getting the best care that they possibly can."

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