An alkaloid obtained from Theobroma cacao. It is crystallizable, volatile, and is closely related in character and in molecular arrangement to caffeine. It combines with acids to form salts, is very slightly soluble in water, and has a bitter taste.

Diuretin is the proprietary designation of a combination of salicylate of soda and theobromine. Theoretically, it is a salicylate of theobromine and sodium, and should contain 54 per cent of theobromine, but it falls short of this as it occurs in commerce, containing usually not more than 40 per cent.

Under the name Uropherin a combination of theobromine and salicylate of lithium has been made by Merck, of Darmstadt, and its physiological action studied by Yon Gram. Heintz and Liebrecht have also lately reported on a compound salt of caffeine and salicylate of lithium and strontium. These preparations practically agree in the mode and character of their effects. In the remarks to follow, diuretin is the agent under consideration.

Actions and Uses

Theobromine, a congener of caffeine, has been shown to possess similar properties, except that its influence on the heart is less and on the kidneys greater. Gram found the combination with salicylate of sodium to be very effective as a renal stimulant, acting especially on the secreting structure, but without any irritant effects. By Von Pawinski it is considered to raise the arterial tension and improve the tone of the heart, as shown by Bach's sphygmograph. The diuretic effect, he maintains, is due both to the action on the renal epithelium and to the increased power imparted to the heart, together with higher blood pressure. He holds, therefore, that diuretin is especially indicated in cases of cardiac dropsy. The formula proposed by him is the following: Rxiuretin, 3j to Эiv; aquae menth. pip., f oz iij; aquae destil., f oz ij; syr. simplicis, f oz j. M. Sig.: A table spoonful every three hours.

Diuretin has also been used with much success in scarlatinal dropsy. Indeed, it is held by some to be especially adapted to the treatment of renal dropsies and in their acuter manifestations.

Diuretin is not without ill effects if used in rather large doses. Gastro-intestinal disorder, headache, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms, according to Höhne, followed the exhibition of full medicinal doses; but it is supposed that such disturbance must be due largely to idiosyncrasy. The amount which may be given daily ranges from Эj to 3 j, according to age, the individual doses being from 3 to 10 grains.

Authorities referred to:

Cohnstein, Dr. Berliner klin. Woch., No. 4, 1894. Gram, Prof. Dr. Centralblatt f. d. gesammte Therapie, 1894. Heintz und Liebrecht. Therapeutische Monatshefte, 1894. Pawinski, Dr. Ibid., April, 1894.