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.

Benapryzine is a dialkylaminoethanol ester of diphenylacetic acid. It is a muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist with negligible peripheral effects. Benapryzine in addition to its anti-acetylcholine action antagonizes both maximal electroshock and metrazol-induced convulsions in mice. This feature is not generally shown by anti-acetylcholine agents but is seen with orphenadrine. Side effects of benapryzine were rare. They are: drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations and postural syncope with measurable postural hypotension. Benapryzine has been used as an antiparkinsonian agent.

Naftidrofuryl (INN), also known as nafronyl or as the oxalate salt naftidrofuryl oxalate or nafronyl oxalate, is a vasodilator used in the management of peripheral and cerebral vascular disorders. The drug act as a selective antagonist of 5-HT2 receptors. Naftidrofuryl is marketed under a variety of trade names, including Artocoron, Azunaftil, Di-Actane, Dusodril, Enelbin, Frilix, Gevatran, Iridus, Iridux, Luctor, Nafti, Naftoling, Naftodril, Nafoxal, Praxilene, Sodipryl retard, and Vascuprax. Praxilene belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘metabolic activators’. These are used to treat different types of blood circulation problems. Praxilene allows the body to make better use of the oxygen in your blood. Praxilene is used to treat the following symptoms: cramp-like pains; cramps in legs at night; severe pain in r legs when people are resting (rest pain); pale or blue fingers or toes which get worse when it is cold; numbness, tingling or burning feelings in the fingers or toes (Raynaud’s syndrome or acrocyanosis); open sores on the legs or feet (trophic ulcers); poor circulation caused by diabetes (diabetic arteriopathy).

Cinchonidine is an alkaloid found in Cinchona officinalis and Gongronema latifolium. Cinchonidine is an antimalarial drug which has been used clinically in malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Cinchonidine is reported as an ingredient of Quinimax in a number of countries. Quinimax is a combination of four alkaloids (quinine, quinidine, cinchoine and cinchonidine).

Iodine-labeled ioglycamic acid (Bilivistan or Biligram) has been used as a contrast medium for intravenous cholangiocystography.

Ioglicinate, contrast agent, is used in computed tomography.

Landiolol (Onoact) is an intravenously administered, ultra short-acting β1-blocker with an elimination half-life of 3-4 min and ≈8-fold greater cardioselectivity than esmolol in vitro. It is approved in Japan for the treatment of intraoperative and postoperative tachyarrhythmias, but in clinical practice is also used to prevent postoperative tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting. Randomized controlled trials in patients undergoing open-heart surgery demonstrated that various dosages of landiolol (0.0005-0.04 mg/kg/min) [0.5-40 μg/kg/min] were more effective than diltiazem in converting postoperative atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm during the first 8 h after surgery, and were more effective than placebo (or no landiolol) in preventing the development of atrial fibrillation during the first week after surgery (primary efficacy endpoints). Landiolol was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with a relatively low risk of hypotension and bradycardia, although routine monitoring of cardiac function during landiolol administration is important. In general, adverse events such as reduced blood pressure resolve quickly after discontinuation of landiolol. Thus, as an ultra short-acting β1-blocker with a rapid onset of action and readily titratable and rapidly reversible effects, landiolol represents an important agent for the management of intraoperative and postoperative tachyarrhythmias.

Pangamic acid (6-O-(dimethylaminoacetyl)-D-gluconic acid) has been detected 1938 and described as a natural, universally occurring substance with multiple biological and medical functions. In this respect pangamic acid has been worldwide on the market since decades as a drug stimulating cellular respiration. In addition to the natural pangamic acid, diisopropylammonium dichloroacetate (DIPA), a synthetic product not found in biological material, is on the market requesting similar biological functions. Pangamic acid is the name given to a product originally claimed to contain D-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid, which was obtained from apricot kernels and later from rice bran. It is also referred to as vitamin B15, but pangamic acid is not generally recognized as a vitamin. Despite serious safety concerns, pangamic acid is used for improving exercise endurance; treating asthma and related diseases, skin conditions including eczema, lung problems, painful nerve and joint conditions, cancer, and arthritis; improving the oxygenation of the heart, brain, and other vital organs; and “detoxifying” the body. It is also used for treating alcoholism, hangovers, and fatigue; protecting against urban air pollutants; extending cell life; strengthening the immune system; lowering bloodcholesterol levels; and assisting in hormone regulation. Since there is no standard identity for the chemicals in pangamic acid, how it might work is unknown. Although pangamic acid is also called vitamin B15, there is no research that shows it is required by the body, as the term “vitamin” would suggest. The United States Food and Drug Administration has recommended seizing any chemicals advertised as pangamic acid and restraining the importation and interstate shipment of pangamic acid on the grounds that pangamic acid and pangamic acid products are unsafe for use and have no known nutritional properties