Bromotheophylline is the active moiety of pamabrom, a mixture of 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol and bromotheophylline. From this mixture, bromotheophylline acts as a weak diuretic that has been used along with some analgesics to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Bromotheophylline is categorized on the FDA as a drug substance with an inactive state since March, 1980. It is also approved by Health Canada to be used alone or in combination with [DB00316] in OTC products.
It is purified by dissolving in the minimum volume of dilute NaOH (charcoal), filtering and acidifying to pH ca 3.5-4. The solid that separates is collected, dried in vacuo at 100o and stored in a dark container. It has also been recrystallised from EtOH or AcOH. [Blitz & Beck J Prakt Chem [2] 118 158 1928, Fischer & Ach Chem Ber 28 3142 1895, Beilstein 26 H 476, 26 II 227, 26 III/IV 2447.]
