8-Chlorotheophylline, also known as 1,3-dimethyl-8-chloroxanthine, is a stimulant drug of the xanthine chemical class, with physiological effects similar to caffeine.[1] Its main use is in combination (salt) with diphenhydramine in the antiemetic dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Diphenhydramine reduces nausea but causes drowsiness, and the stimulant properties of 8-Chlorotheophylline help reduce that side effect.[2]
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Routes of administration | Oral |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.446 |
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Formula | C7H7ClN4O2 |
Molar mass | 214.61 g·mol−1 |
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Despite being classified as a xanthine stimulant, 8-chlorotheophylline can generally not produce any locomotor activity above control in mice and does not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier well.[citation needed]
The 8-chloro modification is not selected for pharmacological properties; instead, it was to raise the acidity of the xanthine amine group enough to form a co-salt with diphenhydramine.[2]
The drug is also sold in combination with promethazine, again as a salt.[3]