In the US, Ethaverine is a member of the drug class peripheral vasodilators. It’s an alkaloid prepared synthetically from opium with no narcotic properties. Directly relaxes all smooth muscles, especially when they have been spasmodically contracted. Action is especially pronounced when spasm is present on coronary, cerebral, pulmonary, and peripheral arteries. Acts directly on myocardium like quinidine; depresses conduction and irritability, and prolongs refractory period. Primarily for peripheral and cerebral vascular insufficiency associated with arterial spasm; also a smooth muscle spasmolytic in spastic conditions of the GI and GU tracts. Adverse Effects ( 1%) CNS: Vertigo, headache, drowsiness. CV: Hypotension, arrhythmias. GI: Nausea, anorexia, abdominal distress, dry throat. Other: Malaise, flushing, sweating, lassitude, respiratory depression. Ethaverine may decrease levodopa effectiveness; morphine may antagonize smooth muscle relaxation effect of ethaverine.

Mebanazine is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase. It was introduced in the 1960s for the treatment of depression and was marketed under trade name Actomol. The drug was withdrawn from the market due to hepatotoxicity. In addition to its antidepressant effect, the drug was found to possess an anorexic action and in animal models, it potentiated the hypoglycemic response to insulin and delayed the recovery of blood glucose levels to normal.