Theodrenaline

Theodrenaline is a sympathomimetic small molecule drug formed by chemically linking norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and theophylline. It acts as a cardiac stimulant and is primarily used for the treatment of acute hypotension and bradycardia, often in critical care or anesthesia settings[1][4][5]. Theodrenaline exerts its effects mainly through stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors (especially β1-adrenoceptors), increasing heart rate and contractility to enhance cardiac output. It also stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction, which helps raise blood pressure[5][6][8]. Additionally, it has phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity via its theophylline component, further enhancing cAMP levels in cardiac tissue[6][7]. The drug is sometimes combined with cafedrine for synergistic cardiovascular effects[1][7]. Its use outside Germany is limited; it remains investigational in some regions with clinical trials ongoing for indications such as hypotension during anesthesia[2][3].

Other names

noradrenalinoethyltheophyllinenoradrenaline theophyllineteodrenalinanorphedrinoethyltheophylline