Racephedrine in combination with theophylline, phenobarbital was used to treat bronchial asthma. However, its application was substituted more effective agent. In addition, FDA has reviewed the final monograph for over-the-counter bronchodilator drug products to add additional warnings and to revise the indications in the labeling of products containing racephedrine hydrochloride.

Propylhexedrine is considered to be an agonist of alpha-adrenergic receptors. It is effective as a topical vasoconstrictor. The primary medicinal use of Benzedrex (Propylhexedrine inhaler) propylhexedrine is temporary symptomatic relief of nasal decongestion due to colds, allergies and allergic rhinitis. Structurally and pharmacologically related to amphetamine.Exact mechanism of action unknown but thought to be similar to amphetamine. When used as a nasal inhaler for this indication, propylhexedrine reduces nasal airway resistance without producing rebound congestion. Abuse does not occur by nasal inhalation; however, a small amount of abuse of the propylhexedrine containing nasal inhalers occurs by oral ingestion of the contents of the inhaler or by intravenous injection. Propylhexedrine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of low abuse potential, a stimulant of low preference for stimulant abusers compared with amphetamine, methylphenidate, phenmetrazine.

Ephedrine (l-form) is an alkaloid, which was initially purified from Ephedra plant. The extract form Ephedra has been used in China for medicinal purposes for several thousand years. Ephedrine acts as an agonist at alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and indirectly causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. The drug crosses the blood brain barrier and stimulates the central nervous system. Ephedrine products are now banned in many countries, as they are a major source for the production of the addictive compound methamphetamine. FDA has approved ephedrine only for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

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.

Racephedrine in combination with theophylline, phenobarbital was used to treat bronchial asthma. However, its application was substituted more effective agent. In addition, FDA has reviewed the final monograph for over-the-counter bronchodilator drug products to add additional warnings and to revise the indications in the labeling of products containing racephedrine hydrochloride.

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.

Xylometazoline, also spelled xylomethazoline, is a medication which is used to improve symptoms of nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Xylometazoline was patented in 1956 and came into medical use in 1959. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The drug works by stimulating adrenergic receptors on the lamina propria of blood vessels in the nose. The decongestant effect is due to constriction of large veins in the nose which swell up during the inflammation of any infection or allergy of the nose. The smaller arteries are also constricted and this causes the colour of the nasal epithelium to be visibly paler after dosage. The standard adult solution strength is 0.1% w/v xylometazoline (or 1 mg per 1 mL solution), and the dose for children under 12 is usually 0.05% (0.5 mg/mL).

Naphazoline is a direct acting sympathomimetic adrenergic alpha-agonist used to induce systemic vasoconstriction, thereby decreasing nasal congestion and inducing constriction around the conjunctiva. The sympathomimetic action of Naphazoline constricts the smaller arterioles of the nasal passages, producing a decongesting effect. Naphazoline ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also decreases itching and irritation of the eyes. aphazoline constricts the vascular system of the conjunctiva. It is presumed that this effect is due to direct stimulation action of the drug upon the alpha adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion. Naphazoline belongs to the imidazoline class of sympathomimetics. Naphazoline is a direct acting sympathomimetic drug, which acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa. This activates the adrenal system to yield systemic vasoconstrction. In producing vasoconstriction, the result is a decrease in blood flow in the nasal passages and consequently decreased nasal congestion. The vasoconstriction means that there is less pressure in the capillaries and less water can filter out, thus less discharge is made. Naphazoline is primarily indicated in conditions like Corneal vascularity, Hyperaemia, Itching, Nasal congestion, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Sinusitis.

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.