Opipramol (Insidon, Pramolan, Ensidon, Oprimol) is an antidepressant and anxiolytic used in Germany and other European countries. Although it is a member of the tricyclic antidepressants, opipramol's primary mechanism of action is much different in comparison, it doesn’t represent a tricyclic antidepressant drug as it does not inhibit the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin. Opipramol also acts as a low to moderate affinity antagonist for the D2, 5-HT2, H1, H2, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. H1 and H2 receptor antagonism account for its antihistamine effects, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonism is responsible for its anticholinergic properties. Opipramol was developed by Schindler and Blattner in 1961. Opipramol is typically used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and somatoform disorders. Its anxiolysis becomes prominent after only one to two weeks of chronic administration. Upon first commencing treatment, opipramol is rather sedating in nature due to its antihistamine properties, but this effect becomes less prominent with time. The therapy with Opipramol indicates an additional therapy with neuroleptics, hypnotics and tranquilizers (e.g. Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines). Therefore, it should be noted that some specific reactions, particularly CNS depressant effects could be intensified and an intensification of common side effects may occur. If necessary the dosage may be reduced. Co-administration with alcohol can cause stupor. MAO Inhibitors should be discontinued at least 14 days before the treatment with Opipramol. Concomitant use of Opipramol with β-blockers, antiarrhythmics (of class 1c), as well as drugs from tricyclic antidepressant group and preparations which influence the microsomal enzyme system, can lead to change in plasma concentration of these drugs. Co-administration of neuroleptics (example- haloperidol, risperidone) can increase the plasma concentration.

Chlormethiazole has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. This drug is approved in different counties under the different brand name (e.g., Heminevrin) and is used for the management of restlessness and agitation in the elderly, short-term treatment of severe insomnia in the elderly and treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Clomethiazole interacts with the picrotoxin/barbiturate site of the GABAA-receptor-chloride channel complex. Clomethiazole is pharmacologically distinct from both the benzodiazepines and the barbiturates. Given alone its effects on respiration are slight and the therapeutic index high.

Procaterol is a beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist. It is a bronchodilator that may be administered orally or by aerosol inhalation for the treatment of dyspnea caused by bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema. The drug is not approved in the USA, but is available in Japan, Indonesia, and other countries worldwide.

Taurocholic acid is a bile acid and is the product of conjugation of cholic acid with taurine. Its sodium salt is the chief ingredient of the bile of carnivorous animals. Taurocholic acid, as with all bile acids, acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed. It is used as a cholagogue and cholerectic (a bile purging agent). Hydrolysis of taurocholic acid yields taurine, a nonessential amino acid. Taurocholic acid is one of the main components of urinary nonsulfated bile acids in biliary atresia. Raised levels of the bile acid taurocholate in the fetal serum in obstetric cholestasis may result in the development of a fetal dysrhythmia and in sudden intra-uterine death. In medical use, it is administered as a cholagogue and choleretic. Taurocholic acid is a potent TGR5 ligand, and in dogs, colonic perfusion with TCA induces PYY secretion. TCA enemas could stimulate GLP-1 and PYY secretion in obese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, sitagliptin. Satiogen Pharmaceuticals is developing rectally administered taurocholic acid, a bile acid, for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Bamethan (butyl-sympatol or vasculat) is an adrenaline derivative developed by C. H. Boehringer Sohn. Bamethan shows a depressor action on peripheral blood vessels as a result of the peripheral vasodilating action caused by stimulation of adrenergic beta-receptor. Bamethan has been used abroad in the treatment of certain peripheral vascular and circulatory disturbances, such as vasospastic conditions, arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's syndrome, occlusive vascular disease of the legs, the post-thrombotic syndrome, degenerative muscular disorders, and other conditions involving peripheral vascular insuffciency.

Ractopamine hydrochloride, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, is a phenethanolamine salt approved for use as a feed additive. Recently published studies indicate that the RR-isomer (butopamine) is the stereoisomer with the most activity at the beta-adrenoceptor. Butopamine was shown to be a non-selective ligand at the beta1 and beta2-adrenoceptors, but signal transduction is more efficiently coupled through the b2-adrenoceptor than the beta1 adrenoceptor. Therefore, the RR-isomer of ractopamine is considered to be a full agonist at the beta2-adrenoceptor and a partial agonist at the beta1¬adrenoceptor. These results are consistent with the pharmacological characterization of racemic ractopamine in isolated cardiac (atria) and smooth muscle (costo-uterine, vas deferens, trachea), which shows a maximal response at beta2- and a submaximal response at beta1¬adrenoceptors when compared with the full beta1 and beta2-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. Butopamine is chemically similar to dobutamine but, unlike dobutamine, it is not a catecholamine. Butopamine induces a positive inotropic response in patients with congestive heart failure but for equal increments in cardiac output, butopamine increases heart rate more than dobutamine. Butopamine inproved cardiac performance in patients with ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure. Butopamine was prepared by Tuttle et al (unpublished data) and has a structure similar to dobutamine. This compound is refractory to the action of catechol-O-methyl transferase and thus it is orally active and has a longlasting action. Clinical findings in acute heart failure cases have been reported by Thompson et al. Intravenous administration produced an increase in the cardiac index and heart rate and shortening of systolic time intervals. A few patients experienced ventricular ectopy, especially with the higher doses used. No data pertaining to oral administration are available.

17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP), or hydroxyprogesterone (OHP), also known as 17α-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione is used under the brand name Gestageno, and has been marketed for clinical use in Argentina. It was indicated for female infertility, hypertrichosis, menstrual disorders, premature labour, threatened or recurrent miscarriage. It is used to properly regulate the menstrual cycle and treat unusual stopping of the menstrual periods (amenorrhea). To help a pregnancy occur during egg donor or infertility procedures in women who do not produce enough progesterone. To prevent estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) in women around menopause who are being treated with estrogen for ovarian hormone therapy (OHT). To treat a condition called endometriosis, to help prevent endometrial hyperplasia, or to treat unusual and heavy bleeding of the uterus (dysfunctional uterine bleeding) by starting or stopping the menstrual cycle. 17α-OHP is an agonist of the progesterone receptor (PR) similarly to progesterone. In addition, it is an antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) as well as a partial agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), albeit with very low potency (EC50 >100-fold less relative to cortisol) at the latter site, also similarly to progesterone.

Etilefrine is a cardiac stimulant used as an antihypotensive. Intravenous infusion of this compound increases cardiac output, stroke volume, venous return and blood pressure in man and experimental animals, suggesting stimulation of both α and β adrenergic receptors. However, in vitro studies indicate that etilefrine has a much higher affinity for β1 (cardiac) than for β2 adrenoreceptors. Intravenous etilefrine increases the pulse rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, central venous pressure and mean arterial pressure of healthy individuals. Marked falls in pulse rate, cardiac output, stroke volume and peripheral bloodflow, accompanied by rises in mean arterial pressure, occur when etilefrine is infused after administration of intravenous propranolol 2,5 mg. These findings indicate that etilefrine has both β1 and α1 adrenergic effects in man. The French Health Products Agency concluded that etilefrine and heptaminol have an unfavourable harm-benefit balance, and also placed restrictions on the use of midodrine.

Taurocholic acid is a bile acid and is the product of conjugation of cholic acid with taurine. Its sodium salt is the chief ingredient of the bile of carnivorous animals. Taurocholic acid, as with all bile acids, acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed. It is used as a cholagogue and cholerectic (a bile purging agent). Hydrolysis of taurocholic acid yields taurine, a nonessential amino acid. Taurocholic acid is one of the main components of urinary nonsulfated bile acids in biliary atresia. Raised levels of the bile acid taurocholate in the fetal serum in obstetric cholestasis may result in the development of a fetal dysrhythmia and in sudden intra-uterine death. In medical use, it is administered as a cholagogue and choleretic. Taurocholic acid is a potent TGR5 ligand, and in dogs, colonic perfusion with TCA induces PYY secretion. TCA enemas could stimulate GLP-1 and PYY secretion in obese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, sitagliptin. Satiogen Pharmaceuticals is developing rectally administered taurocholic acid, a bile acid, for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Lisuride (DOPERGIN®), a highly active dopaminergic ergot derivative with prolactin-lowering properties, has a pronounced affinity for dopamine receptors. It may also act as an agonist at some serotonin receptors. Lisuride (DOPERGIN®) is concentrated within the pituitary where it acts on dopamine receptors which inhibit prolactin release. It can be used in the clinical conditions where a dopaminergic or prolactin-lowering effect is needed.