Xanthine derivative, diisobutylaminobenzoyloxypropyl theophylline (Vestphyllin), is a vasodilator, bronchodilator.

Doxofylline (7-(1, 3-dioxalan-2-ylmethyl) theophylline) is a novel xanthine bronchodilator which differs from theophylline in that it contains a dioxalane group in position 7. Doxofylline is indicated for the treatment of bronchial asthma, pulmonary disease with spastic bronchial component and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Doxofylline does not directly inhibit any of the known HDAC enzymes, and did not inhibit any phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme sub types or act as an antagonist at any of the known adenosine receptors, except for PDE2A(1), and adenosine A(2A) and only at the highest tested concentration (10(-4) M). Doxofylline has greatly decreased affinity towards adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, which explain its better safety profile. Moreover, it does not interfere with calcium influx into the cells nor antagonize calcium channel blockers. Doxofylline has been shown to be a more potent bronchodilator with fewer side effects than theophylline. This drug should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives, including beverages and foods containing caffeine.

Reproterol is a short-acting β2 adrenoreceptor agonist used in the treatment of asthma. Reproterol increases the generation of cAMP in isolated peripheral blood monocytes in vitro more effectively than does orciprenaline. In the presence of the highly potent but nonselective ß-antagonist, propranolol, the cAMP-generating action of reproterol was inhibited only partially. Reproterol has gained wide use when it was licensed as a fixed combination therapy with cromoglycate. Until today, the bronchodilator effects of reproterol and the bronchoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions of cromoglycate combined in one inhaler remain the successful fixed combination of a disease-modifying and symptomatic drug for the treatment of asthma.

Cafedrine, also known as norephedrinoethyltheophylline, is a chemical linkage of norephedrine and theophylline and is a cardiac stimulant used to increase blood pressure in people with hypotension. There are few data available for cafedrine. Cafedrine has a half-life of 60 min following both oral and intravenous administration Cafedrine is metabolized to norephedrine and several minor metabolites, but nearly 90% of the administered norephedrine is excreted via the kidneys, mostly unchanged, within 24 h. The effects of cafedrine on cardiac output are believed to be mediated via β- adrenoceptors. Cafedrine has a positive inotropic effect in humans, and this can be abolished by administration of the non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol. A combination of cafedrine and theodrenaline called Akrinor® is used for the treatment of hypotension in adults that occurs during emergency situations, general anesthesia, and regional anesthesia, especially during cesarean sections. Cafedrine/theodrenaline may have advantages over other vasopressor drugs. For example, it can be administered via bolus while catecholamines normally need to be diluted and administered via syringe pumps. Bolus injection is faster, which may be beneficial in emergency situations, plus it is more cost efficient with respect to the disposables. Cafedrine/theodrenaline has been widely used in Germany since 1963

Etamiphylline is the respiratory stimulant. No information is available about pharmacodynamics of etamiphylline. No human pharmacokinetic data are available. Etamiphylline seems to be a rather weaker bronchodilator than theophylline when administered orally.

Proxyphylline is a xanthine derivative that acts as a cardiac stimulant, vasodilator and bronchodilator. In combination with ephedrine it’s used for relief of acute bronchial asthma and for reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Proxyphylline is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and it’s not converted to theophylline in the body. The clinical studies are agreed with the property of proxyphylline to inhibit the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases.

Fenethylline (generic name Captagon) is a codrug of amphetamine and theophylline. In the fenetylline molecule, theophylline is covalently linked with amphetamine via an alkyl chain. It was formerly used to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression, but its use has been banned because of the potential for abuse. Amphetamine, an agonist for trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) with enhancing dopamine signaling (an increase of irritability, aggression, etc.), is the main cause of Captagon addiction. Theophylline, an antagonist that blocks adenosine receptors (e.g. A2aR) in the brain responsible for restlessness and painlessness, may attenuate the behavioral sensitization caused by amphetamine. Fenethylline is included in a list of compounds to be considered by a World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee in April 1985 for possible international scheduling under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971. Fenethylline re-emerged because of its widespread abuse by Middle Eastern young adults. Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State to enhance what they consider desirable characteristics - aggressiveness, alertness, and fearlessness - in their recruits, promote it.

Acefylline is a stimulant drug of the xanthine chemical class. It acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Acephylline piperazine is a theophylline derivative with a direct bronchodilator action. It has the advantages over theophylline in being far less toxic and producing minimal gastric irritation. It is indicated for the treatment of asthma, emphysema, acute and chronic bronchitis associated with bronchospasm.Acefylline relaxes smooth muscles, relieves bronchospasm & has a stimulant effect on respiration. It stimulates the myocardium & central nervous system, decreases peripheral resistance & venous pressure & causes diuresis. The mechanism of action is still not clear, inhibition of phosphodiesterase with a resulting increase in intracellular cyclic AMP does occur, but not apparently at concentrations normally used for clinical effect. Other proposed mechanisms of action include adenosine receptor antagonism, prostaglandin antagonism & effects on intracellular calcium. Sodium phenobarbital is a non-selective central nervous system depressant that is primarily used as sedative-hypnotic.

Lomifylline is a xanthine derivative with peripheral vasodilator action. Lomifylline in combination with dihydroergocristine (CERVILANE) is used in the treatment of vertigo of vascular origin.

Bamifylline (or bamiphylline), a selective antagonist of the A1 adenosine receptor, was studied in the therapy of asthmatic syndromes.