Dehydroepiandrosterone (INTRAROSA™, prasterone) is a major C19 steroid produced from cholesterol by the adrenal cortex. It is also produced in small quantities in the testis and the ovary. Dehydroepiandrosterone (INTRAROSA, prasterone) is structurally similar to, and is a precursor of, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, estrone and estrogen. It indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause. The mechanism of action of dehydroepiandrosterone (INTRAROSA, prasterone) in postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy is not fully established.

DL-Methamphetamine (also known as +/- Methamphetamin) is a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. The smokable form is a drug of abuse and is referred to as crank, crystal, crystal meth, ice, and speed. Methamphetamine is a mixture of two isomers. One isomer called Dextro, or D Methamphetamine, is active as a central nervous system stimulant and it is a DEA Schedule 2 controlled drug commonly called “Meth” or “Speed”. Desoxyn, a prescription drug also contains D Methamphetamine. The other isomer, Levo, or L Methamphetamine is not a DEA controlled drug. It is found in an over the counter medicine called “Vicks Inhaler” or as the prescription drug, Selegiline. (+)-methamphetamine is the more physiologically active isomer. In addition to some medications, L Methamphetamine can be produced in the illegal production of street Methamphetamine.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug. Pseudoephedrine acts as an adrenomimetic and inhibitor of monoamine transporters. Ephedra sinica, a species of ephedra (ma huang), contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedra has been found to stimulate the nervous system, increase airflow into the lungs and constrict blood vessels. In combination with caffeine, ephedra appears to cause weight loss. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Phenylephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor. It is used as a nasal decongestant and cardiotonic agent. Phenylephrine is a postsynaptic α1-receptor agonist with little effect on β-receptors of the heart. Parenteral administration of phenylephrine causes a rise in systolic and diastolic pressures, a slight decrease in cardiac output, and a considerable increase in peripheral resistance; most vascular beds are constricted, and renal, splanchnic, cutaneous, and limb blood flows are reduced while coronary blood flow is increased. Phenelephrine also causes pulmonary vessel constriction and subsequent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. Vasoconstriction in the mucosa of the respiratory tract leads to decreased edema and increased drainage of sinus cavities. In general, α1-adrenergic receptors mediate contraction and hypertrophic growth of smooth muscle cells. α1-receptors are 7-transmembrane domain receptors coupled to G proteins, Gq/11. Three α1-receptor subtypes, which share approximately 75% homology in their transmembrane domains, have been identified: α1A (chromosome 8), α1B (chromosome 5), and α1D (chromosome 20). Phenylephrine appears to act similarly on all three receptor subtypes. All three receptor subtypes appear to be involved in maintaining vascular tone. The α1A-receptor maintains basal vascular tone while the α1B-receptor mediates the vasocontrictory effects of exogenous α1-agonists. Activation of the α1-receptor activates Gq-proteins, which results in intracellular stimulation of phospholipases C, A2, and D. This results in mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, activation of mitogen-activated kinase and PI3 kinase pathways and subsequent vasoconstriction. Phenylephrine produces its local and systemic actions by acting on α1-adrenergic receptors peripheral vascular smooth muscle. Stimulation of the α1-adrenergic receptors results in contraction arteriolar smooth muscle in the periphery. Phenylephrine decreases nasal congestion by acting on α1-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce constriction; this leads to decreased edema and increased drainage of the sinus cavities. Phenylephrine is mainly used to treat nasal congestion, but may also be useful in treating hypotension and shock, hypotension during spinal anaesthesia, prolongation of spinal anaesthesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, symptomatic relief of external or internal hemorrhoids, and to increase blood pressure as an aid in the diagnosis of heart murmurs.

Zinc monocarbonate (Zinc Carbonate) is an inorganic salt. In the United States, Zinc Carbonate may be used as an active ingredient in OTC drug products. When used as an active drug ingredient, the established name is Zinc Carbonate. Zinc monocarbonate is generally recognized as safe by FDA. It is used as skin protectant active ingredient. Zinc carbonate was found to retard the degradation of some poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres in vivo and in vitro. Adding Zinc Carbonate is essential during the preparation of PLGA microspheres. It can remarkably improve the stability of drugs in the acid microenvironment inside PLGA microspheres.