Noscapine (also known as Narcotine, Nectodon, Nospen, Anarcotine and (archaic) Opiane) is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from plants of the poppy family, without painkilling properties. This agent is primarily used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. Noscapine is often used as an antitussive medication. A 2012 Dutch guideline, however, does not recommend its use for coughing. Noscapine can increase the effects of centrally sedating substances such as alcohol and hypnotics. Noscapine should not be taken in conjunction with warfarin as the anticoagulant effects of warfarin may be increased. Noscapine, and its synthetic derivatives called noscapinoids, are known to interact with microtubules and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Mechanisms for its antitussive action are unknown, although animal studies have suggested central nervous system as a site of action. Furthermore, noscapine causes apoptosis in many cell types and has potent antitumor activity against solid murine lymphoid tumors (even when the drug was administered orally) and against human breast and bladder tumors implanted in nude mice. Because noscapine is water-soluble and absorbed after oral administration, its chemotherapeutic potential in human cancer merits thorough evaluation. Antifibrotic effect of noscapine based on novel mechanism, which it shows through EP2 prostaglandin E2 receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase A.

Quinine ascorbate is a salt of antimalarial drug quinine and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Ascorbate reduces the potency of quinolone-containing anti-malarial drugs. Quinine ascorbate was marketed as a component of over-the-counter smoking deterrent products but was not recognized as safe by the FDA regulation in 1993.

Diethyltoluamide (DEET) is an insect repellent used to keep insects away. This product is effective against mosquitoes, biting flies (gnats, sandflies, deer flies, stable flies, black flies), ticks, harvest mites, and fleas. DEET is absorbed through the skin. DEET has few adverse effects when applied as directed. The most common problem is local skin irritation, including erythema and pruritis, at the site of application.

Domperidone is a peripherally selective D2 receptor antagonist. It acts as an antiemetic and a prokinetic agent through its effects on the chemoreceptor trigger zone and motor function of the stomach and small intestine. Domperidone was not approved in USA due to risks of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and sudden death, but is available in other countries. However, FDA allows access to Domperidone through an expanded access investigational new drug application (IND) to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with upper GI symptoms, gastroparesis, and chronic constipation. As an “off-label” use, domperidone is prescribed to breastfeeding women to enhance their milk production.

3-N-Butylphthalide (NBP), a family comprised of optical isomers l-3-N-butylphthalide (l-NBP) and d-3-N-butylphthalide (d-NBP), with l-NBP being an extract from seeds of Apium graveolens Linn. (celery) and dl-3-N-butylphthalide (dl-NBP), a synthetized version, has been studied for its significant neuroprotective effects. NBP showed neuroprotective effects by decreasing oxidative damage, inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving mitochondrial function, and reducing neuronal apoptosis. NBP received approval by the State Food and Drug Administration of China for clinical use in stroke patients in 2002. It demonstrates a potential for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease.

Mizolastine (Mizollen) is a long-acting H1 -antihistamine indicated for the symptomatic relief of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever), perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. It blocks H1 receptors and is commonly fast-acting. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, just prevents it binding to receptors. Side effects can include dry mouth and throat

Tofisopam (marketed under brand names Emandaxin and Grandaxin) is a 2,3-benzodiazepine derivative that is marketed in several European countries as the anxiolytic drug. Tofisopam does not bind to the benzodiazepine binding site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor. One study has shown that tofisopam acts as an isoenzyme-selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) with the highest affinity to PDE-4A1 followed by PDE-10A1, PDE-3, and PDE-2A3. Like other benzodiazepines, tofisopam possesses anxiolytic properties but unlike other benzodiazepines, it does not have anticonvulsant, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, motor skill-impairing or amnestic properties. While it may not be an anticonvulsant in and of itself, it has been shown to enhance the anticonvulsant action of classical 1,4-benzodiazepines such as diazepam (but not sodium valproate, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin). Tofisopam is not approved for sale in the United States or Canada. However, Vela Pharmaceuticals of New Jersey is developing the D-enantiomer (dextofisopam) as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, with moderate efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials so far.

Ripasudil (K-115) is a selective Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. This compound, which was originally discovered by D. Western Therapeutics Institute, Inc., reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by directly acting on the trabecular meshwork, thereby increasing conventional outflow through the Schlemm's canal. As a result of this mechanism of action, ripasudil may offer additive effects in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension when used in combination with agents such as prostaglandin analogues (which increase uveoscleral outflow) and β blockers (which reduce aqueous production). GLANATEC® (Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate) ophthalmic solution 0.4% is launched in Japan for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Ebastine is an antihistamine which blocks H1-receptors through its carboxylic acid metabolite. Ebastine is indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Bicyclol, also known as SY 801, is a hepatoprotective agent. Bicyclol upregulates transcription factor Nrf2, HO-1 expression and protects rat brains against focal ischemia. Bicyclol induces cell cycle arrest and autophagy in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways. Bicyclol attenuates tetracycline-induced fatty liver associated with inhibition of hepatic ER stress and apoptosis in mice. Bicyclol promotes toll-like 2 receptor recruiting inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase II to exert its anti-inflammatory effect. Phase Ⅰ~Ⅳ clinical trials and extensive application after market launch prove that, Bicyclol is suitable for the treatment of chronic viral and non-viral liver disease with elevated serum aminotransferase abnormalities, and is excellent in safety. This drug is recommended for liver protection and anti-inflammatory medication by Chinese Medical Association in Guidelines for Management of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Guidelines for Management of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, The Guideline of Prevention and Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B, Expert Consensus On Hepatic Inflammation and Its Prevention and other professional guidelines and consensus.