Nylidrin (Buphenine, Arlidin) is a beta-adrenergic agonist. Nylidrin causes peripheral vasodilation, a positive inotropic effect, and increased gastric volume of gastric juice. It is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders and premature labor. In peripheral vascular disorders, Arlidin (nylidrin HCl) increases walking ability and promotes healing of trophic ulcers. Nylidrin hydrochloride acts predominantly by beta-receptor stimulation. Beta stimulation with nylidrin has been demonstrated in a variety of isolated tissues from rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. It has been shown to dilate arterioles in skeletal muscle and to increase cardiac output in the anesthetized dog and cat and in unanesthetized man. An increase in cerebral blood flow and a decrease in vascular resistance has also been reported. The result of this combination of actions is a greater blood supply to ischemic tissues, with usually minimal change in blood pressure. Arlidin may be of benefit in elderly patients with mild to moderate symptoms that are commonly associated with organic mental disorders. Short-term (3 months’ duration) and long-term (12 months’ duration) clinical studies have demonstrated a modest improvement in ability to perform general activities of daily living, self-care and in a capability for social interactions. The mechanism whereby nylidrin may provide relief of selected symptoms in some elderly patients with organic brain disorders is not known.

Levonordefrin acts as a topical nasal decongestant and vasoconstrictor, most often used in dentistry. It is administered in a pre-mixed solution with local anesthetics, such as mepivacaine or procaine.

Etafedrine, a sympathomimetic agent that acts on the sympathetic receptors of the bronchial tree relaxing spasm in a manner similar to that of ephedrine, is a bronchodilator and a selective β2-adrenoreceptor agonist. Contraction of the guinea pig tracheal chain by acetylcholine or histamine was antagonized by etafedrine with a higher potency then ephedrine but with a lower potency than epinephrine (adrenaline). Etafedrine did not increase heart rate or force of contraction in guinea pig atria. Unlike ephedrine and tyramine, etafedrine did not induce the release of noradrenaline as was demonstrated in vitro in the perfused rabbit heart and instead acted as a selective β2 adrenoreceptor agonist. Etafedrine also belongs to the family of medications called decongestants. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, helping to relieve nasal stuffiness. Etafedrine has been used in pharmaceutical compositions, such as NETHAPRIN Expectorant, Nethaprin Dospan and Dalmacol, useful in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders including chronic bronchitis.

Benzaldehyde is the simplest and possibly the most industrially useful member of the family of aromatic aldehydes. Benzaldehyde exists in nature, primarily in combined forms such as a glycoside in almond, apricot, cherry, and peach seeds. The characteristic benzaldehyde odor of oil of bitter almond occurs because of trace amounts of free benzaldehyde formed by hydrolysis of the glycoside amygdalin. Benzaldehyde is a versatile intermediate because of its reactive aldehyde hydrogen, its carbonyl group, and the benzene ring. Benzaldehyde is formed from phenylpyruvic acid, derived by the aminotransferase activity on phenylalanine, in the presence of high levels of Mn2+, and contributes to the generation of flavor compound during cheese ripening. Benzaldehyde is a synthetic flavoring substance, sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for foods. Benzaldehyde is also recognized as safe for use as a bee repellant in the harvesting of honey. Benzaldehyde's most important use is in organic synthesis, where it is the raw material utilized to produce various aldehydes. Because Benzaldehyde rapidly metabolizes to Benzoic Acid in the skin, the available dermal irritation and sensitization data demonstrating no adverse reactions to Benzoic Acid were considered supportive of the safety of Benzaldehyde.

Ractopamine is a feed additive to promote leanness in animals raised for their meat. Pharmacologically, it is a TAAR1 agonist and β adrenoreceptor agonist that stimulates β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors. Ractopamine is known to increase the rate of weight gain, improve feed efficiency, and increase carcass leanness in finishing swine. Its use in finishing swine yields about three kilograms of additional lean pork and improves feed efficiency by 10%. Ractopamine is the active ingredient in products known as Paylean for swine and Optaflexx for cattle, developed by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, for use in food animals for growth promotion. Ractopamine use has been banned in most countries, including the European Union, mainland China and Russia while 27 other countries, such as Japan, the United States, Canada, and South Korea, have deemed meat from livestock fed ractopamine safe for human consumption. Ractopamine is safe for finishing pigs heavier than 240 lb (110 kg) when administered in the diet at concentrations up to 10 ppm and fed for up to 35 days.