Promazine (Sparine) is a phenothiazine neuroleptic used for short-term management of moderate to severe psychomotor agitation and treatment of agitation and restlessness in the elderly. Promazine is an antagonist at types 1, 2, and 4 dopamine receptors, 5-HT receptor types 2A and 2C, muscarinic receptors 1 through 5, alpha(1)-receptors, and histamine H1-receptors. Promazine's antipsychotic effect is due to antagonism at dopamine and serotonin type 2 receptors, with greater activity at serotonin 5-HT2 receptors than at dopamine type-2 receptors. This may explain the lack of extrapyramidal effects. Promazine does not appear to block dopamine within the tuberoinfundibular tract, explaining the lower incidence of hyperprolactinemia than with typical antipsychotic agents or risperidone. Antagonism at muscarinic receptors, H1-receptors, and alpha(1)-receptors also occurs with promazine. Promazine is not approved for human use in the United States. It is available in the US for veterinary use under the names Promazine and Tranquazine.

NORETHANDROLONE, a nandrolone derivative, is a synthetic hormone with anabolic and androgenic properties and moderate progestational activity. It was used to treat, among others, anorexia nervosa, severe burns and trauma, decubitus ulcers, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal diseases. Its list of prescriptions included preparation for and recovery from surgery, bone fracture healing, severe or prolonged illness, and various forms of malnourishment in adults and children. It was withdrawn for the market in most countries in the 1960s, however, it remains viable on the veterinary drug market in Australia.

Deslanoside is a cardiotonic glycoside from the leaves of Digitalis lanata. It is used to treat congestive heart failure and supraventricular arrhythmias due to reentry mechanisms, and to control ventricular rate in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation. Deslanoside inhibits the Na-K-ATPase membrane pump, resulting in an increase in intracellular sodium and calcium concentrations. Increased intracellular concentrations of calcium may promote activation of contractile proteins (e.g., actin, myosin). It also acts on the electrical activity of the heart, increasing the slope of phase 4 depolarization, shortening the action potential duration, and decreasing the maximal diastolic potential.

Docusate, also known as docusate salts or dioctyl sulfosuccinate, prevents/relieves dry hard stool and thus is used to treat constipation. Results usually occurs 1 to 3 days after the first dose. In North America, docusate and a stimulant laxative such as sennosides are commonly used in bowel treatment protocols associated with institutionalized elderly and oncology treatments. A paucity of evidence is available to support the use of the stool softener docusate yet it continues to be prescribed in everyday clinical practice for the aforementioned populations. While the actual cost of docusate is low, additional costs associated with its administration (i.e. nursing time) and its widespread use can be significant. Docusate is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder after undergoing extensive metabolism. The effect of docusate may not necessarily be all due to its surfactant properties. Perfusion studies suggest that docusate inhibits fluid absorption or stimulates secretion in the portion of the small intestine known as the jejunum

Fluoxymesterone, sold under the brand names Halotestin and Ultandren among others, is a synthetic, orally active androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) and a 17α-alkylated derivative of testosterone developed by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, approved by FDA at 1956. Fluoxymesterone is used in the treatment of hypogonadism in males and breast cancer in women. Fluoxymesterone has a relatively high ratio of androgenic to anabolic activity similarly to testosterone. Like many 17α-alkylated AAS, it has a relatively low affinity for the androgen receptor (AR). However, its actions are mediated by the AR, most likely due to its relatively long elimination half-life of approximately 9.2 hours.

Nylidrin (Buphenine, Arlidin) is a beta-adrenergic agonist. Nylidrin causes peripheral vasodilation, a positive inotropic effect, and increased gastric volume of gastric juice. It is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders and premature labor. In peripheral vascular disorders, Arlidin (nylidrin HCl) increases walking ability and promotes healing of trophic ulcers. Nylidrin hydrochloride acts predominantly by beta-receptor stimulation. Beta stimulation with nylidrin has been demonstrated in a variety of isolated tissues from rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. It has been shown to dilate arterioles in skeletal muscle and to increase cardiac output in the anesthetized dog and cat and in unanesthetized man. An increase in cerebral blood flow and a decrease in vascular resistance has also been reported. The result of this combination of actions is a greater blood supply to ischemic tissues, with usually minimal change in blood pressure. Arlidin may be of benefit in elderly patients with mild to moderate symptoms that are commonly associated with organic mental disorders. Short-term (3 months’ duration) and long-term (12 months’ duration) clinical studies have demonstrated a modest improvement in ability to perform general activities of daily living, self-care and in a capability for social interactions. The mechanism whereby nylidrin may provide relief of selected symptoms in some elderly patients with organic brain disorders is not known.

HYDROXYDIONE is a neuroactive steroid used formerly as a general anesthetic. It was discontinued due to a high incidence of post-anesthetic thrombophlebitis, delayed onset of anesthesia and an unacceptably long duration of action.

Ethinamate was used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping) under the brand name VALMID, but then was replaced by other more efficacy medicines. The mechanism of action was not known. However, was studies, which showed that ethinamate inhibits carbonic anhydrases I and did not inhibit II. Nevertheless, even inhibition carbonic anhydrases I is not sufficiently strong to implicate carbonic anhydrases I in the mechanism of action.

Ethchlorvynol is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). It developed by Pfizer in the 1950s. In the United States it was sold by Abbott Laboratories under the tradename Placidyl. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, ethchlorvynol appears to depress the central nervous system in a manner similar to that of barbiturates – by means of GABA-A receptors modulation. Moderate side effects are: Skin rash or hives; dizziness or faintness; unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness. It is addictive and after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms including convulsions, hallucinations, and memory loss.

Iproniazid is a non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) of the hydrazine class. It was originally developed for the treatment of Tuberculosis, but in 1952, its antidepressant properties were discovered when researchers noted that patients given isoniazid became inappropriately happy. Iproniazid is no longer clinically prescribed and has been withdrawn due to incidences of hepatotoxicity.