8-Chlorotheophylline
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] 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] References
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