Dichlorobenzyl alcohol has broad-spectrum activity as an antimicrobial agent and is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Dichlorobenzyl alcohol has antimicrobial effect against 115 strains of dental plaque. Dichlorobenzyl alcohol inhibited growth of microorganisms but showed highest activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans and Por. gingivalis, organisms related to juvenile and destructive forms of periodontitis. It is a common ingredient in throat lozenges such as Neo angin, Strepsils, Lorsept, and Gorpils. A throat lozenge containing amyl meta cresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol has a direct virucidal effect on respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

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.

Dimetofrine is a selective agonist of post-synaptic a1-adrenergic receptors. The drug was investigated as a cardiostimulant to treat orthostatic hypotension. Clinical investigation showed that dimetofrine relieves asthenia, paleness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache and other symptoms associated with hypotension. It was observed, that in acidic conditions similar to conditions in the stomach, dimetofrine is able to react with nitrites with the formation of highly mutagenic compound 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ).

Mabuterol is a long acting βeta 2-adrenergic agonist which stimulates adenylyl cyclase activity and the closing of calcium channels. Studies indicate that the R enantiomer of mabuterol is more potent than the S enantiomer. In addition, the half-life is longer in the R enantiomer than the S. Studies conducted on rats and dogs show that mabuterol acts as a bronchodilator. At high concentrations mabuterol can also antagonize beta1 adrenoceptors in guinea pigs

Cinnamedrine is an active ingredient of midol (a combination of cinnamedrine hydrochloride, aspirin, phenacetin, and caffeine) used to relieve dysmenorrhea. Midol was an over-the-counter drug, which was discontinued due to a marketing decision.

Nordefrin is a catecholamine sympathomimetic used as a topical nasal decongestant and vasoconstrictor. Nordefrin is a racemic mixture of levo- and dextro- isomers and levonordefrin to be 100 to 200 times more active than dextro-nordefrin in raising blood pressure. Nordefrin is a structural isomer of epinephrine and levonordefrin produced a greater increase in heart rate than epinephrine.

Antihistamine agent

Oxilofrine is a sympathomimetic used to treat hypotensive states, with cardiac stimulatory effects similar to those of ephedrine. It has never been approved for use in the USA as a prescription drug or as a dietary supplement. Oxilofrine has been found (1) to act predominantly as a beta1 agonist increasing the speed and force of heart muscle contraction (inotropic effects), specifically, increasing left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume; (2) to increase blood pressure; (3) to have variable effects on heart rate; and (4) to potentially increase oxygen uptake by the lungs.

Fenipentol is a choleretic agent indicated for the treatment of chronic liver disease and bile duct disease. The drug is sold without prescription.