Propylparaben is a bacteriostatic and fungistatic agent used as a preservative in cosmetic products, food and drugs. As a food additive, it has the E number E216. To increase the activity and reduce its dose propylparaben is used in a mixture with other parabens and in combination with other types of preservatives. Propylparaben is a chemical allergen capable of producing immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Chemically it is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

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.

Ethylparaben is produced naturally and found in several fruits and insects, where it acts as an antimicrobial agent. Ethylparaben is mainly used as antiseptics in cosmetics, food and medicine (E number E214). It is also can be used as feed preservatives and antiseptic for bacteria. Ethylparaben is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through the skin. It is hydrolyzed to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and rapidly excreted in urine without accumulating in the body. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. Broad concentration ranges reported in each product category in 1981 were < 0.1% and > 0.1% to 1%. Studies show the in vivo estrogenicity of MP and EP at human exposure levels, and indicate that populations exposed to large amounts of MP and EP may have a high burden of estrogenicity-related diseases.