Reactions of theophylline, theobromine and caffeine with Fenton's reagent--simulation of hepatic metabolism.

Theophylline and caffeine undergo N-demethylation and hydroxylation by Fenton's reagent to give uric acid derivatives; theophylline is oxidized mainly to 1-methyluric acid, and 1,3-dimethyluric acid and 1-methyluric acid are the major products obtained from caffeine. Theobromine undergoes predominantly N-demethylation to give 7-methylxanthine. The nature of the products indicate that these reactions simulate hepatic drug metabolism.