8-Bromotheophylline

Absorption

When administered after one single oral dosage, bromotheophylline is rapidly absorbed and it reaches a maximal plasma concentration of 2.5 mg/L in 0.78 hours. The mean residence time is registered to be of 12 hours with an AUC in the first 8 hours of 27 mg.h/L.

Toxicity

In overdose, bromotheophylline does not produce hepatic toxicity.

Description

Bromotheophylline is the active moiety of pamabrom, a mixture of 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol and bromotheophylline. From this mixture, bromotheophylline acts as a weak diuretic that has been used along with some analgesics to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Bromotheophylline is categorized on the FDA as a drug substance with an inactive state since March, 1980. It is also approved by Health Canada to be used alone or in combination with [DB00316] in OTC products.

Chemical properties

White Crystalline Powder

The Uses of 8-Bromotheophylline

The active component in the diuretic Diurex.

Indications

Bromotheophylline is used as a diuretic and also, in combination with Acetaminophen, it is used for the relief of temporary water weight gain, bloating, swelling and full feeling associated with the premenstrual and menstrual periods.

Background

Bromotheophylline is the active moiety of pamabrom, a mixture of 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol and bromotheophylline. From this mixture, bromotheophylline acts as a weak diuretic that has been used along with some analgesics to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Bromotheophylline is categorized on the FDA as a drug substance with an inactive state since March, 1980. It is also approved by Health Canada to be used alone or in combination with Acetaminophen in OTC products.

Pharmacokinetics

Bromotheophylline diuretic action will produce an immediate increase in urination frequency. This effect aids in the relief of bloating and menstrual pain. This diuretic function is performed by the an increase in glomerular filtration and a potential effect in the tubular reabsorption as it is established that the administration of these agents produce a rise in the urinary concentration of sodium a chloride and thus, an increase in their rates of excretion.

Metabolism

This pharmacokinetic property has not been determined.

Purification Methods

It is purified by dissolving in the minimum volume of dilute NaOH (charcoal), filtering and acidifying to pH ca 3.5-4. The solid that separates is collected, dried in vacuo at 100o and stored in a dark container. It has also been recrystallised from EtOH or AcOH. [Blitz & Beck J Prakt Chem [2] 118 158 1928, Fischer & Ach Chem Ber 28 3142 1895, Beilstein 26 H 476, 26 II 227, 26 III/IV 2447.]