Protoveratrine A, the principal alkaloid of Veratrum album, has been used in the treatment of hypertension but has largely been replaced by drugs with fewer adverse effects.

Protoveratrine B is one of two alkaloids isolated from the plant Veratrum albumen. The main effect of both alkaloids is vasodilation in all vascular beds thereby reducing blood pressure. In the 1950's it was recognized that Protoveratrine B is the preferred compound which can be administered at significantly higher doses before the patient begins to vomit.

Pregnenolone is an endogenous steroid and precursor the biosynthesis of most of the steroid hormones, including the progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. In addition, pregnenolone is a precursor of neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate, which is positive modulator of NMDA receptors and negative modulator of GABAA. Pregnenolone itself is a negative allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptors. Pregnenolone is available as a dietary supplement, and is being investigated in clinical trials agains schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, marijuana dependency and other conditions.

Cortisone is a hormone that is FDA approved for the treatment of primary and secondary adrenocortical deficiency, rheumatic disorders, psoriasis, exfoliative dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, hemolytic anemia, enteritis, tuberculosis, trichnosis. Cortisone acetate binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor, the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes. Common adverse reactions include convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, vertigo, headache, psychic disturbances, hirsuitism, glaucoma, exophthalmos. Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Co-administration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Cortisone is a natural steroid hormone. Its sulfate analog has been detected in in umbilical vein blood fetus plasma between 19 and 32 weeks of gestation with a significant increase at 29-30 weeks and in amniotic fluid. Base on the experiments with rats it was suggested that cortisone sulfate in mammals could be hydrolyzed enzymatically liberating sulfate ions from cortisone. Cortisone sulfate has been proposed for use as one of the glycosaminoglycan compound materials in a cartilage prosthesis and biological nasal bridge implant manufacture as well as auxiliary agent in powder aerosol composition for use in baby powder, dry shampoo, water-eczema remedy and antiperspirant.

Tetraethylammonium is an experimental drug with no approved indication or marketed formulation. Tetraethylammonium blocks of apamin-sensitive and insensitive Ca2(+)-activated K+ channels. It is a weak agonist of the nicotinic receptor. Tetraethylammonium produces transient reductions in blood pressure. Tetraethylammonium hydroxide is used as a soluble source of hydroxide ions and in the synthesis of ionic organic compounds.

Cetylpyridinium (used in a form of chloride salt) is a cationic surface-active agent and has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, with rapid killing of gram-positive pathogens and yeast in particular. It is suggested that interaction with bacteria occurs by the disruption of membrane function, leakage of cytoplasmic material, and ultimately the collapse of the intra-cellular equilibrium. The drug is used under various trade names as an oral OTC hygiene product (mouthwash, dental kits, etc.) to control the dental plaque and to prevent the subsequent gingivitis.

Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) is a mineralocorticoid hormone and an analog of desoxycorticosterone. DOCP is a long-acting ester of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) which is recognized as having the same qualitative effects as the natural mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone. It’s used as Percorten-V for replacement therapy for the mineralocorticoid deficit in dogs with primary adrenocortical insufficiency. Percorten-V is only available in the U.S., Canada, Australia and recently, Denmark. Percorten was originally developed for the treatment of Addison's disease in humans but the demand for it decreased significantly once Florinef was available. Unaware that their product was being prescribed “off-label” for the treatment of canine Addison’s Disease and faced with a decreased demand for Percorten, the manufacturer *almost* discontinued production until the veterinary community rose up and voiced their distress. Field trials were run and the FDA approved the use of Percorten-V (the "v" is for veterinary). DOCP like other adrenocorticoid hormones is thought to act by controlling the rate of synthesis of proteins. It reacts with receptor proteins in the cytoplasm to form a steroid-receptor complex. This complex moves into the nucleus, where it binds to chromatin that result in genetic transcription of cellular DNA to messenger RNA. The steroid hormones appear to induce transcription and synthesis of specific proteins, which produce the physiologic effects seen after administration. The most important effect of DOCP is to increase the rate of renal tubular absorption of sodium. This effect is seen most intensely in the thick portion of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. It also increases sodium absorption in the proximal convoluted tubule but this effect is less important in sodium retention. Chloride follows the sodium out of the renal tubule. Another important effect of DOCP is enhanced renal excretion of potassium. This effect is driven by the resorption of sodium that pulls potassium from the extracellular fluid into the renal tubules, thus promoting potassium excretion.

Phenylmercuric ammonium acetate is a fungicide and bactericide. It is used for the seed treatment.

Cevadine, veratridine, and related lipophilic ceveratrum alkaloids cause activation of the voltage-sensitive Na+ channels of nerve, heart, and skeletal muscle cell membranes similar to pyrethrins. Both veratridine and cevadine alter the ion selectivity of Na+ channels and cause persistent activation. The receptor for these alkaloids has not been isolated, but experiments indicate it is distinct from that of pyrethrin. Structurally, veratridine and cevadine differ only in their acyl group. Cevadine has been used as an insecticide, acting as a paralytic agent with higher toxicity to insects than to mammals. It has been used to study Na+ channel blockers such as vincamine and vincanol by inducing Na+ channels in the presence and absence of the drugs being tested.