GB823242A - Therapeutic compositions containing choline salts of dialkyl xanthines - Google Patents

Abstract

Pharmaceutical preparations comprise one or more chloline salts of the general formula <FORM:0823242/VI/1> where X is the residue of a dialkylxanthine or a dialkylxanthine substituted in the 8 position by chlorine, bromine or a nitro-group or other non-acidic substituent, the alkyl groups of said dialkylxanthines containing one or two carbon atoms, together with a non-toxic pharmaceutical carrier, the preparation being stabilized against the decomposing action of water and/or carbon dioxide. The preferred choline salt is choline theophyllinate and other medicinal agents such as ephedrine, neohetramine hydrochloride, pentobarbital, racephedrine and reserpine may be included in the preparations. Solid preparations such as tablets are conveniently stabilized by reducing the water content to not more than 1.5% and preferably less than 1% by weight. In the case of suppositories, stabilization may be secured by incorporating polyvinyl pyrrolidone and/or a buffer such as tricalcium phosphate. Liquid forms for oral or parenteral administration are preferably buffered to pH 8-9.5, advantageously 8.5-9, by buffers such as citric acid and/or sodium citrate and may contain preservatives such as the methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.