Oxymetazoline is an adrenergic alpha-agonist, direct acting sympathomimetic, used as a vasoconstrictor to relieve nasal congestion The sympathomimetic action of oxymetazoline constricts the smaller arterioles of the nasal passages, producing a prolonged (up to 12 hours), gentle and decongesting effect. Oxymetazoline elicits relief of conjunctival hyperemia by causing vasoconstriction of superficial conjunctival blood vessels. The drug's action has been demonstrated in acute allergic conjunctivitis and in chemical (chloride) conjunctivitis. Oxymetazoline is self-medication for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Oxymetazoline is available over-the-counter as a topical decongestant in the form of oxymetazoline hydrochloride in nasal sprays such as Afrin, Operil, Dristan, Dimetapp, oxyspray, Facimin, Nasivin, Nostrilla, Sudafed OM, Vicks Sinex, Zicam, SinuFrin, and Mucinex Full Force. Due to its vasoconstricting properties, oxymetazoline is also used to treat nose bleeds and eye redness.

Donitriptan hydrochloride (F 11356) was developed by Pierre Fabre as a brain penetrant 5-HT1B/1D agonist. Which inhibits capsaicin-induced external carotid vasodilation and produces selective carotid vasoconstriction in various animal species. In January 2001, donitriptan had completed phase I trials for migraine and was scheduled to enter phase II development, but before development in phase II, this drug was discontinued.

Lerimazoline is a sympathomimetic drug that belongs to the imidazoline class of compounds, and is used as a nasal decongestant. Lerimazoline displayed high affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and for the 5-HT1D receptor. Binding affinity estimates for α1-adrenoceptor, 5-HT2A, and D2 receptors were more than ten times lower. The mechanism of vasoconstrictor action of lerimazoline encompasses both, the activation of 5-HT2A, and to a lesser degree α1 -adrenergic receptors. These results also suggest that lerimazoline is an “atypical” decongestant. It inhibits secretion of nasal mucus. Lerimazoline causes hypertension.

GSK-163090 is potent, selective, and orally active 5-HT1A/B/D receptor antagonist. GSK163090 was found to combine potent in vivo activity with a strong preclinical developability profile, and on this basis it was selected as a drug candidate with the aim of assessing its potential as a fast-onset antidepressant/anxiolytic. GSK-163090 had been in phase II clinical trials by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. However, this research has been discontinued.

Ocaperidone [R 79598] is an equipotent antagonist of central dopamine D2 and serotonin2 receptors being investigated as a potential antipsychotic agent. Ocaperidone is a benzisoxazol piperidine antipsychotic primarily binds and with high affinity to 5-HT2 (serotonin) receptors, alpha1 and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors, dopamine D2 receptors and histamine H1 receptors. Ocaperidone is an antagonist primarily at the 5HT and D2 receptors. A proposed mechanism of action is the central D2 receptor blockade which is common to all neuroleptics that are used to treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

CP 135807 is a selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist. Preclinical development for migraine was proposed but no development report released. This compound is used for neuroscience research.

PNU-142633 is selective 5HT1D partial agonist, developed by Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. It failed in phase II clinical trials against acute migraine, and its development was discontinued.