Synonym: 3,7-dimethylxanthine
Theobromine is a purine alkaloid and does not contain bromine.
It is related to both caffeine and theophylline. Caffeine has 3 methyl groups. Both theobromine and theophylline have 2 of these methyl groups but in different positions.
The amount of theobromine is much higher in unsweetened baking chocolate compared to milk chocolate.
Dose-related toxic effects:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) CNS stimulation
(3) increased urination (polyuria)
(4) relaxation of smooth muscle
Theobromine may be excreted in breast milk and can cause adverse effects in small infants. Theoretically it could be teratogenic.
Theobromine is toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, CNS stimulation, salivation, increased urination, and muscle tremors. Coma and death can occur if the dose is high enough. The smaller the dog the greater the risk.
