Norethisterone (INN, BAN), also known as Norethindrone (USAN) (brand names Micronor, AYGESTIN, numerous others) is a synthetic progestational hormone (progestin) with actions similar to those of progesterone but functioning as a more potent inhibitor of ovulation. It has weak estrogenic and androgenic properties. The hormone has been used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology, such as submucous fibroids or uterine cancer. AYGESTIN® is not intended, recommended or approved to be used with oncomitant estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women for endometrial protection. Progestins diffuse freely into target cells and bind to the progesterone receptor. Target cells include the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary. Once bound to the receptor, progestins slow the frequency of release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and blunt the pre-ovulatory LH surge. Allergic reaction could be: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

DL-Methamphetamine (also known as +/- Methamphetamin) is a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. The smokable form is a drug of abuse and is referred to as crank, crystal, crystal meth, ice, and speed. Methamphetamine is a mixture of two isomers. One isomer called Dextro, or D Methamphetamine, is active as a central nervous system stimulant and it is a DEA Schedule 2 controlled drug commonly called “Meth” or “Speed”. Desoxyn, a prescription drug also contains D Methamphetamine. The other isomer, Levo, or L Methamphetamine is not a DEA controlled drug. It is found in an over the counter medicine called “Vicks Inhaler” or as the prescription drug, Selegiline. (+)-methamphetamine is the more physiologically active isomer. In addition to some medications, L Methamphetamine can be produced in the illegal production of street Methamphetamine.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug. Pseudoephedrine acts as an adrenomimetic and inhibitor of monoamine transporters. Ephedra sinica, a species of ephedra (ma huang), contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedra has been found to stimulate the nervous system, increase airflow into the lungs and constrict blood vessels. In combination with caffeine, ephedra appears to cause weight loss. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Phenylephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor. It is used as a nasal decongestant and cardiotonic agent. Phenylephrine is a postsynaptic α1-receptor agonist with little effect on β-receptors of the heart. Parenteral administration of phenylephrine causes a rise in systolic and diastolic pressures, a slight decrease in cardiac output, and a considerable increase in peripheral resistance; most vascular beds are constricted, and renal, splanchnic, cutaneous, and limb blood flows are reduced while coronary blood flow is increased. Phenelephrine also causes pulmonary vessel constriction and subsequent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. Vasoconstriction in the mucosa of the respiratory tract leads to decreased edema and increased drainage of sinus cavities. In general, α1-adrenergic receptors mediate contraction and hypertrophic growth of smooth muscle cells. α1-receptors are 7-transmembrane domain receptors coupled to G proteins, Gq/11. Three α1-receptor subtypes, which share approximately 75% homology in their transmembrane domains, have been identified: α1A (chromosome 8), α1B (chromosome 5), and α1D (chromosome 20). Phenylephrine appears to act similarly on all three receptor subtypes. All three receptor subtypes appear to be involved in maintaining vascular tone. The α1A-receptor maintains basal vascular tone while the α1B-receptor mediates the vasocontrictory effects of exogenous α1-agonists. Activation of the α1-receptor activates Gq-proteins, which results in intracellular stimulation of phospholipases C, A2, and D. This results in mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, activation of mitogen-activated kinase and PI3 kinase pathways and subsequent vasoconstriction. Phenylephrine produces its local and systemic actions by acting on α1-adrenergic receptors peripheral vascular smooth muscle. Stimulation of the α1-adrenergic receptors results in contraction arteriolar smooth muscle in the periphery. Phenylephrine decreases nasal congestion by acting on α1-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce constriction; this leads to decreased edema and increased drainage of the sinus cavities. Phenylephrine is mainly used to treat nasal congestion, but may also be useful in treating hypotension and shock, hypotension during spinal anaesthesia, prolongation of spinal anaesthesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, symptomatic relief of external or internal hemorrhoids, and to increase blood pressure as an aid in the diagnosis of heart murmurs.

Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. It acts as a naturally occurring agonist at both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. Three pharmacologic types have been identified: alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and beta-adrenergic receptors. Each of these has three subtypes, characterized by both structural and functional differences. The alpha 2 and beta receptors are coupled negatively and positively, respectively, to adenylyl cyclase via Gi or Gs regulatory proteins, and the alpha 1 receptors modulate phospholipase C via the Go protein. Subtype expression is regulated at the level of the gene, the mRNA, and the protein through various transcriptional and postsynthetic mechanisms. Through its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine lessens the vasodilation and increased vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can lead to loss of intravascular fluid volume and hypotension. Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and helps alleviate bronchospasm, wheezing and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis. Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema and may relieve gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms associated with anaphylaxis because of its relaxer effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestine, uterus and urinary bladder. Epinephrine increases glycogenolysis, reduces glucose up take by tissues, and inhibits insulin release in the pancreas, resulting in hyperglycemia and increased blood lactic acid.

Castanospermine (1,6,7,8-tetrahydroxyoctahydroindolizine) is an indolizine alkaloid first isolated from the seeds of Australian tree Castanospermum austral. Castanospermine is a potent inhibitor of some glucosidase enzymes and has antiviral, immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in animal models. Castanospermine has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of almond emulsion β-glucosidase, and also to inhibit fungal β-xylosidase. Additionally, castanospermine may have the potential ability to inhibit syncytium formation between HIV-infected and CD4-expressing cells and may also interfere with infectivity. It has also been demonstrated that this agent inhibits inflammation at the level of leukocyte extravasation in rat models of experimental adjuvant-induced arthritis and autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Celgosivir, Castanospermine’s oral prodrug, is currently tested in clinical trials.