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.

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.

Camphoric acid is a product of oxidation of camphor, naturally occurring in rosemary. In the early twentieth century, camphoric acid was used in the night-sweats of phthisis and was also employed in solution as a local antiseptic to the nose, throat, and bladder. Camphoric acid was found to induce the expression of glutamate receptors NMDAR1, GluR3/4, and mGluR8.

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.