Lagrangian dynamics by nonlocal constants of motion

A simple general theorem is used as a tool that generates nonlocal constants of motion for Lagrangian systems. We review some cases where the constants that we find are useful in the study of the systems: the homogeneous potentials of degree~$-2$, the mechanical systems with viscous fluid resistance and the conservative and dissipative Maxwell-Bloch equations of laser dynamics. We also prove a new result on explosion in the past for mechanical system with hydraulic (quadratic) fluid resistance and bounded potential.