8-(Dialkylaminoalkylamino)-Caffeines as potential pharmacodynamic agents*

A group of caffeine and theophylline derivatives containing basic side chains at position 8 were synthesized as potential pharmacodynamic agents. An attempt was made to explain why type I compounds were at times isolated as the free base and again as the hydrochloride and also why the dihydrochloride and dimethiodide of the same compounds could not be prepared. As an illustration of pharmacodynamic actions, the methiodide of one of the type I compounds caused marked postural hypotension in the absence of autonomic blockade, while no ganglionic blocking or anticholinergic effect was observed.