Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Here’s a comparison of Caffeine, Paraxanthine, and Theophylline, focusing on their structure, effects, metabolism, and common uses:
Comparison Table: Caffeine vs Paraxanthine vs Theophylline
Quick Takeaways:
Comparison Table: Caffeine vs Paraxanthine vs Theophylline
Feature | Caffeine | Paraxanthine | Theophylline |
| Chemical Name | 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine | 1,7-dimethylxanthine | 1,3-dimethylxanthine |
Chemical Formula | C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ | C₇H₈N₄O₂ | C₇H₈N₄O₂ |
Found In Nature? | Yes (coffee, tea, chocolate) | No (only produced in the body from caffeine) | Yes (trace amounts in tea) |
Primary Source | Dietary (coffee, tea, energy drinks) | Metabolite of caffeine in the liver | Medicinal or natural in tea |
Main Effects | CNS stimulant, increased alertness | CNS stimulant, improved cognition, less jittery | Mild CNS stimulant, bronchodilator |
Potency as Stimulant | Strong | Comparable or slightly cleaner than caffeine | Weaker CNS stimulant |
Anxiety/Jitter Risk | Higher | Lower | Lower |
Half-life in Blood | ~3–5 hours | ~3–5 hours | ~8 hours |
Metabolized By | Liver enzyme CYP1A2 | Formed from caffeine in the liver | Also formed from caffeine in small % |
Medical Uses | None (dietary) | None (under research) | Used for asthma, COPD |
Side Effects (high dose) | Jitters, anxiety, insomnia | Fewer jitters, may be better tolerated | Nausea, arrhythmias, GI issues |
Legal/Supplement Status | Widely used and approved | Being introduced as a nootropic supplement | Prescription (in some countries) |
Quick Takeaways:
- Caffeine is the original stimulant, widely used, but can cause jitters and anxiety in sensitive users.
- Paraxanthine is a major active metabolite of caffeine and may offer similar benefits with fewer downsides. It is currently being explored as a cleaner nootropic.
- Theophylline is less psychoactive but has stronger bronchodilator effects and is still used in respiratory medicine (e.g., asthma treatment).
