Theocin, theophylline

Theophylline reduces contractile activity of smooth musculature, widens bronchi and blood vessels, reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, stimulates the respiratory center, and increases the frequency and power of cardiac contractions. It is used for bronchial asthma, preventing attacks, and systematic treatment. Theophylline is also used for symptomatic treatment of bronchospastic syndrome of a different etiology (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema). A large number of combined drags are based on theophylline. Synonyms of theophylline are adophyllin, asthmophyllin, theocin, and many others. 

In a number of plants used in different parts of the world to make beverages and condiments, there are found the xanthine compounds, caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline (Theocin), which are also employed in therapeutics, and have, therefore, acquired a double importance as drugs and as articles of diet. 

Theophylline (l,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine, Theocin) [58-55-9] M 180.2, m 272-274 , pKi -0.24, pK2 8.79, PK3 11.5 (acidic). It crystalUses from H2O as the monohydrate which becomes anhydrous above 100 . It is freely soluble in hot H2O, but its solubility at 15 is 0.44%. It complexes with heavy metals. It is a diuretic, vasodilator and a cardiac stimulant. [Lister Purines Part 11, Fused Pyrimidines Brown Ed, Wiley-Interscience pp253-254 1971, ISBN 0-47I-38205-I, Beilstein 26 H 455, 26 1 134, 26II263, 26 III/IV 2331 ]... 

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