Xanthine Stimulants

I. These include

  1. caffeine

  2. theophyline

  3. theobromine

II. Coffee information

  1. species are arabica & robusta

    A. both native to Ethiopia

    B. seed kernel (not bean)

    C. found in medicines & food additives

  2. small cup about 100 mg caffeine

III. Tea information

  1. from bush (Thea sinensis)

  2. types of tea (black, oolong, green)

  3. it has all 3 xanthines

IV. Chocolate information

  1. first used by native americans

V. Routes of administration

  1. oral

  2. rectal suppository, IM, IV

VI. Absorption caffeine

  1. cross placenta found in milk

VII. Excretion caffeine

  1. ½ life 3.5 hrs

  2. slowed by alcohol

  3. speeded by broccoli, smoking

  4. women metabolize it faster

  5. babies can’t metabolize well

VIII. Effects caffeine

  1. blocks adenosine receptors

  2. dilation of bronchi of lungs

  3. dilates blood vessel (except brain)

  4. decrease muscle fatigue

  5. increase metabolism, breathing

    A. used to treat neonatal apnea

  6. enhance performance

    A. perceptual tasks

    B. athletic performance

  7. reduced sleep

IX. Tolerance

  1. tolerance to sleep disruption

X. Withdrawal

  1. head aches, fatigue, irritability

XI. Harmful effects

  1. reproduction

  2. cardiac disease

  3. cancer

  4. fibrocystic breast disease

  5. heartburn

XII. High doses

  1. 1800mg mania, confusion

  2. death from 3-8 grams (pills or accidental IV)

    A. almost impossible to die from beverage consumption

 

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