What are Methylxanthines?
Methylxanthines are molecular compounds that act simultaneously as a cardiac stimulant, diuretic and smooth muscle relaxants. While the more familiar form is the caffeine, certain methylxanthine compounds are used as bronchodilators to stimulate the cardiovascular and respiratory system in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methylxanthine compounds are capable of providing short-term relief from the effects of COPD and can be used immediately in the event of a respiratory episode.
For patients with COPD who have chronic obstructive lung disease or respiratory tract, emphysema and chronic bronchitis methylxanthine compounds act of constriction of bronchi and bronchioles to improve airflow, reduce inflammation and relax airway, while increasing blood flow through the heart stimulation.
Methylxanthines can also be used to treat asthma and can be administered through inhalers or in pill form. Affect the throat, lungs, heart and other key parts of the bronchial and pulmonary systems. Accelerated lung response and relaxation of the airway caused by methylxanthine compounds that to the frequent coffee drinkers often complain of shortness of breath, increased heart rate and even mild arrhythmia.
Drugs classified as methylxanthines are really derivatives of xanthine, a purine found in the human body. Methylation involves adding methyl groups to form xanthine alkaloids. The methylated and nonmethylated synthetic xanthines can be used as a mild stimulant. Other than caffeine, other methylxanthine compounds include theophylline, aminophylline, paraxanthine and theobromine. Theophylline and aminophylline are used specifically as a bronchodilator in the treatment of COPD.
Methylxanthines can be artificially created or derived from substances such as coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate. The effect of the methylxanthine is that people who suffer respiratory distress, colds or allergies often self-treat by the consumption of tea, tea steam of breath, or inhale the scent of brewing tea leaves, all of which can help relax the airways and make breathing easier.
While not an effective long-term treatment for COPD or other respiratory problems, these effects may provide temporary relief of minor discomfort. Methylxanthine compounds are also approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while caffeine is not. Therefore, Olympic competitors can use to temporarily increase methylxanthines response of the energy and adrenaline.
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, may have negative side effects of methylxanthines or foods containing them particularly high caffeine drinks like coffee and tea theobromine or high food, like chocolate. As methylxanthine compounds relax the esophagus may contribute to gastric reflux reactions. While quantities as sin can not cause a reaction, larger air intakes can lead to nausea and heartburn.