Methylxanthines 

What are Methylxanthines?

Methylxanthines are a unique class of drug that are derived from the purine base xanthine. Xanthine is produced naturally by both plants and animals. The methylxanthines, theophylline, and dyphylline are used in the treatment of airways obstruction caused by conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Caffeine (present in coffee) and theobromine (present in chocolate) are also methylxanthines.

Theophylline is the most well known and most commonly used methylxanthine. At low dosages, it has an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and bronchoprotective effect. Higher dosages are needed for its bronchodilator effect; however, higher dosages are often associated with toxicity.

Experts are not sure exactly how methylxanthines work but research has shown they inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase, antagonize adenosine receptors, and at lower dosages, their effects on histone deacetylase activity are believed to contribute to their immunomodulatory effects.

The main role of theophylline and dyphylline is to help maintain good airway control in chronic, persistent, airways disease.

Methylxanthines are a group of naturally occurring substances found in coffee, tea, chocolate and related foodstuffs. Naturally occurring theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine), and its ester derivative aminophylline, are the only compounds in clinical use. They are chemically similar to caffeine.

List of Methylxanthines

Abacavir

Abacavir

Abatacept

Abatacept

Abavite

Abavite

Abecma

Abecma

Abecma

Abecma

Abelcet

Abelcet

Abilify

Abilify

Abilify

Abilify

Abilify

Abilify

Actemra

Actemra

Acyclovir

Acyclovir

Adderall

Adderall

Advil

Advil

Afinitor

Afinitor

Agamree

Agamree

Agamree

Agamree

Aimovig

Aimovig

Ajovy

Ajovy

Aldactone

Aldactone

Alecensa

Alecensa

Alecensa

Alecensa

Alfuzosin

Alfuzosin

Alprolix

Alprolix

Alunbrig

Alunbrig

Ambien

Ambien

AndroGel

AndroGel

Apixaban

Apixaban

Aptiom

Aptiom

Arimidex

Arimidex

Aromasin

Aromasin

Atarax

Atarax

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine

Flutamide

Flutamide

Focalin

Focalin

Folic acid

Folic acid

Forteo

Forteo