Caffeine has greater potency and efficacy than theophylline to reverse the motor impairment caused by chronic but not acute interruption of striatal dopaminergic transmission in rats

► Caffeine and theophylline were tested in acute and chronic models of parkinsonism. ► Both drugs had the same potency and efficacy to reverse haloperidol-induced catalepsy. ► Caffeine was more potent and efficacious than theophylline to restore stepping in hemiparkinsonian rats. ► Caffeine could be better than theophylline to improve mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease.