Theobromine
Theobromine Information

About Theobromine

Theobromine is alkaloid prepared from the dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao or made synthetically from xanthine. It has physiologic properties similar to those of caffeine. its major source is beverages (tea, cocoa and coffee). Chemically Theobromine is 3, 7-dimethylxanthine. It can be employed as a diuretic, it acts by inhibiting reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the renal tubules. Theobromine is less toxic, and thus can be employed on occasions when the more toxic diuretics are contraindicated such as when renal function is poor. The wide choice of more effective diuretics has limited the use of it as a diuretic. It dilates the coronary arteries and increase the coronary blood flow.

Indications

Theobromine is primarily indicated in conditions like Diuresis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Hypertension.

Contraindication

Theobromine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Theobromine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Anxiety, Restlessness, Tremors, Sleeplessness, Nausea and vomiting, Loss of appetite.

Warnings

Theobromine should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiac, kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism, congestive heart failure (CHF), peptic ulcer. It should be used with caution in neonates and elderly persons.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.