Iofetamine hydrochloride I-123 is a radiopharmaceutical for cerebral perfusion imaging. lofetamine is the N-isopropyl derivative of amphetamine with iodine 123(1123) at the para position to serve as the tracer. This configuration was systematically derived by Winchell et al. to provide sufficient brain uptake and retention for brain imaging, which typically requires an acquisition time of 25-40 minutes. After experimental intraarterial injection the drug has a high extraction ratio (> 90 percent) in the brain. Iofetamine hydrochloride I-123 permits cerebral blood perfusion imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Iofetamine is an amphetamine analog that is rapidly taken up by the lungs, then redistributed principally to the liver and brain. The precise mechanism of localization has not been determined, but is believed to result from nonspecific receptor binding. Brain uptake peaks at 30 minutes postinjection and remains relatively constant through 60 minutes. The drug is metabolized and excreted in the urine, with negligible activity remaining at 48 hours. When compared with CT in stroke patients, visualization may be performed sooner after symptom onset and a larger zone of involvement may be evident with iofetamine. Localization of seizure foci and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may also be possible. As CT has revolutionized noninvasive imaging of brain anatomy, SPECT with iofetamine permits routine cerebral blood flow imaging. Iofetamine hydrochloride I-123 under the brand name Spectamine was approved for use in the United States as a diagnostic aid in determining the localization of and in the evaluation of non-lacunar stroke and complex partial seizures, as well as in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in 1987. However it was discontinued in USA.

Protirelin is the pharmaceutically available synthetic analogue of the endogenous peptide thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). It is a tri-peptide tropic hormone, released by the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and prolactin from the anterior pituitary. Although not currently available in any FDA-approved product, protirelin is a component of the TRH Test where it is used to test the response of the anterior pituitary gland in conditions such as secondary hypothyroidism and acromegaly. TRH is indicated as an adjunctive agent in the diagnostic assessment of thyroid function. As an adjunct to other diagnostic procedures, testing with TRH (protirelin) may yield useful information in patients with pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction. TRH is indicated as an adjunct to evaluate the effectiveness of thyrotropin suppression with a particular dose of T4 in patients with nodular or diffuse goiter. A normal TSH baseline value and a minimal difference between the 30 minute and baseline response to TRH injection would indicate adequate suppression of the pituitary secretion of TSH. TRH may be used, adjunctively, for adjustment of thyroid hormone dosage given to patients with primary hypothyroidism. A normal or slightly blunted TSH response, thirty minutes following TRH injection, would indicate adequate replacement therapy. Side effects have been reported in about 50% of the patients tested with TRH. Generally, the side effects are moor, have occurred promptly, and have persisted for only a few minutes following injection. Cardiovascular reactions: Marked changes in blood pressure, including both hypertension and hypotension with or without syncope, have been reported in a small number of patients. Endocrine reaction: Breast enlargement and leakage in lactating women for up to two or three days. Other reactions: Headaches, sometimes severe, and transient amaurosis in patients with pituitary tumors. Rarely, convulsions may occur in patients with predisposing conditions, e.g., epilepsy, brain damage. Nausea; urge to urinate; flushed sensation; light-headedness; bad taste in mouth; abdominal discomfort; and dry mouth. Less frequently reported were: Anxiety; sweating; tightness in the throat; pressure in the chest; tingling sensation; drowsiness; and allergic reactions. Pharmacologically, TRH increases the release of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary. Prolactin release is also increased. It has recently been observed that approximately 65% of acromegalic patients tested respond with a rise in circulating growth hormone levels; the clinical significance is as yet not clear. Following intravenous administration, the mean plasma half-life of protirelin in normal subjects is approximately five minutes. TSH levels rise rapidly and reach a peak at 20 to 30 minutes. The decline in TSH levels takes place more slowly, approaching baseline levels after approximately three hours.

Perchloric acid is a strong acid used for complete digestions of organic material. To prevent injury, goggles or face shield, gloves, and apron must be worn. Perchloric acid must not be mixed with any other waste and should be stored separately from the other chemicals.

Cephradine is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephradine is active against the following organisms in vitro: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci; Staphylococci, including coagulase-positive, coagulase-negative, and penicillinase-producing strains; Streptococcus pneumoniae (formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae); Escherichia coli; Proteus mirabilis; Klebsiella species; Hemophilus influenza. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., skin, ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections). Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in patients receiving cephradine both orally and intravenously. Diarrhea generally starts 1 to 16 days after starting cephradine therapy. Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting. Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash, urticaria, pruritus, and joint pain. Bacteriostats may interfere with the bactericidal action of cephalosporins in acute infection; other agents, e.g., aminoglycosides, colistin, polymyxins, vancomycin, may increase the possibility of nephrotoxicity.

Carfecillin is a phenyl ester of the side-chain carboxyl group of carbenicillin, beta-lactam antibiotic, acting as a prodrug. Upon oral administration, is broken down in the intestinal mucosa to the active antibacterial. It is used for urinary tract infections.

Dextrothyroxine is the dextrorotary isomer of the synthetic thyroxine. It is an antihyperlipidemic agent. The mechanism of action is not completely understood, but dextrothyroxine apparently acts in the liver to stimulate formation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and, to a much greater extent, to increase catabolism of LDL. This leads to increased excretion of cholesterol and bile acids via the biliary route into the feces, with a resulting reduction in serum cholesterol and LDL. Dextrothyroxine has no significant effect on high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Inherently, it will also bind to thyroid receptors and as it is a prohormone, it will bind as a substrate to iodide peroxidase.

Diphenidol, a nonphenothiazinic antiemetic agent used primarily in patients with Meniere disease and labyrinthopathies to treat vomiting and vertigo, is considered to be a relatively safe drug. Since it was first approved in the United States in 1967, this drug has been widely used in Latin America and Asia and has contributed to sporadic suicidal and accidental poisonings in mainland China and Taiwan. The mechanism by which diphenidol exerts its antiemetic and antivertigo effects is not precisely known. It is thought to diminish vestibular stimulation and depress labyrinthine function and as an antimuscarinic agent. An action on the medullary chemoreceptive trigger zone may also be involved in the antiemetic effect. Diphenidol has no significant sedative, tranquilizing, or antihistaminic action. It has a weak peripheral anticholinergic effect. Diphenidol is used to relieve or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by certain medical problems.

Betahistine is an orally administered, centrally acting histamine H1 receptor agonist with partial H3 antagonistic activity. It is proposed that betahistine may reduce peripherally the asymmetric functioning of the sensory vestibular organs in addition to increasing vestibulocochlear blood flow by antagonising local H3 heteroreceptors. Betahistine acts centrally by enhancing histamine synthesis within tuberomammillary nuclei of the posterior hypothalamus and histamine release within vestibular nuclei through antagonism of H3 autoreceptors. This mechanism, together with less specific effects of betahistine on alertness regulation through cerebral H1 receptors, should promote and facilitate central vestibular compensation. Betahistine is used to treat the symptoms associated with Ménière's disease, a condition of the inner ear which causes, vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss.

Nalidixic acid is a quinolone antibacterial indicated for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Nalidixic acid has marked antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria including Enterobacter species, Escherichia coli, Morganella Morganii; Proteus Mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, and Providencia rettgeri. Pseudomonas species are generally resistant to the drug. It is suggested that nalidixic acid acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase.

Oxethazaine is a potent local anesthetic. It is administered orally (usually in combination with an antacid) for the relief of pain associated with peptic ulcer disease or esophagitis. Its effectiveness at the acidity of the gastric environment is due to the fact that oxethazaine, a weak base, is relatively non-ionized at pH 1. It is also used topically in the management of hemorrhoid pain. Oral oxetacaine preparations are available in several countries, including India, South Africa and Brazil, but not the United States. It is marketed under the name Strocain in Japan.