Ezogabine (U.S. adopted name) or retigabine (international nonproprietary name) is one of a family of aminopyrroles with anticonvulsant activity. It is used as an adjunctive treatment for partial epilepsies in treatment-experienced adult patients. The drug was approved by the European Medicines Agency under the trade name Trobalt and by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the trade name Potiga. The mechanism by which ezogabine exerts its therapeutic effects has not been fully elucidated. In vitro studies indicate that ezogabine enhances transmembrane potassium currents mediated by the KCNQ (Kv7.2 to 7.5) family of ion channels. By activating KCNQ channels, ezogabine is thought to stabilize the resting membrane potential and reduce brain excitability. This mechanism of action is unique among antiepileptic drugs, and may hold promise for the treatment of other neurologic conditions, including migraine, tinnitus and neuropathic pain. In vitro studies suggest that ezogabine may also exert therapeutic effects through augmentation of GABA-mediated currents.

Indacaterol is an ultra-long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist developed by Novartis. It was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) under the trade name Onbrez Breezhaler on November 30, 2009, and by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the trade name Arcapta Neohaler, on July 1, 2011. It needs to be taken only once a day, unlike the related drugs formoterol and salmeterol. It is licensed only for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (long-term data in patients with asthma are thus far lacking). It is delivered as an aerosol formulation through a dry powder inhaler.

Delavirdine is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Delavirdine binds directly to reverse transcriptase (RT) and blocks RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities. Delavirdine does not compete with template:primer or deoxynucleoside triphosphates. HIV-2 RT and human cellular DNA polymerases alfa, gamma, or delta are not inhibited by delavirdine. In addition, HIV-1 group O, a group of highly divergent strains that are uncommon in North America, may not be inhibited by delavirdine. Delavirdine is marketed under the trade name Rescriptor, indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with at least 2 other active antiretroviral agents when therapy is warranted. .

Stavudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) with activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Stavudine is phosphorylated to active metabolites that compete for incorporation into viral DNA. They inhibit the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme competitively and act as a chain terminator of DNA synthesis. The lack of a 3'-OH group in the incorporated nucleoside analogue prevents the formation of the 5' to 3' phosphodiester linkage essential for DNA chain elongation, and therefore, the viral DNA growth is terminated. Stavudine inhibits the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) both by competing with the natural substrate dGTP and by its incorporation into viral DNA. Stavudine is used for the treatment of human immunovirus (HIV) infections. Stavudine is sold under the brand name Zerit among others.

Beclometasone dipropionate or beclomethasone dipropionate is sold under the brand name Qvar among others. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. The precise mechanism of corticosteroid action on asthma is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have multiple anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting both inflammatory cells (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) and release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines). These anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy in asthma. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a prodrug that is rapidly activated by hydrolysis to the active monoester, 17 monopropionate (17-BMP). Beclomethasone 17 monopropionate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor, which is approximately 13 times that of dexamethasone, 6 times that of triamcinolone acetonide, 1.5 times that of budesonide and 25 times that of beclomethasone dipropionate. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Studies in patients with asthma have shown a favorable ratio between topical anti-inflammatory activity and systemic corticosteroid effects with recommended doses of QVAR. Beclometasone dipropionate was first patented in 1962 and used medically in 1972. Common side effects with the inhaled form include respiratory infections, headaches, and throat inflammation. Serious side effects include an increased risk of infection, cataracts, Cushing’s syndrome, and severe allergic reactions. Long term use of the pill form may cause adrenal insufficiency. The pills may also cause mood or personality changes. The inhaled form is generally regarded as safe in pregnancy. Beclometasone is mainly a glucocorticoid.

Rescinnamine is an alkaloid isolated from Rauvolfia serpentina and approved by FDA for the treatment of hypertension. The mechanism of rescinnamine is not established, but probably resembles that of reserpine. Rescinnamine approval was discontinued by unknown reason.

Reserpine is an alkaloid, isolated from the Rauwolfia serpentina plant and developed by Ciba pharma. Reserpine was approved by FDA for the treatment of hypertension and psychotic disorders. The drug exerts its effect by blocking two vesicular monoamine transporters, VMAT1 and VMAT2. The blockade results in vesicles that lose their ability to store neurotransmitter molecules. Neurotransmitters, thus retained in cytosol, are then neutralized by MAO.

Aconitine is an alkaloid found in the Aconitum species. Aconitine is a highly toxic cardiotoxin and neurotoxin. In China and other countries, the herbal extract containing aconitine was used for the treatment of pain in musculoskeletal disorders, however the safety margin between therapeutic analgesic effect of aconitine and its known cardiotoxic effect is so narrow that the treatment may cause poisoning and death. The mechanism of aconitine action is explained by its ability to activate voltage-dependent sodium-ion channels.

Ginkgolide B belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ginkgolides and bilobalides. These are diterpene lactones with a structure based either on the gingkolide or the bilobalide skeleton. The ginkgolide skeleton is a very rigid structure consisting of hexacyclic C20 trilactone. The cis-fused F/A/D/C ring junction forms an empty semi-ball hole, the D ring contains a cage form tetrahydrofuran ring which occupies the center of the empty hole, and the oxygen atoms of the D,C and F ring and 10-hydroxyl group consist of an analogous crown ether structure. Ginkgolide B is one of the ginkgolides isolated from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. The Ginkgolide B is the most potent antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF) and exhibits therapeutic action in a variety of diseases mainly by the PAF receptor. The ginkgolide B possesses a number of beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. It promotes the proliferation, migration and adhesion of endothelial progenitor cells, and the induction of angiogenesis through vascular endothelial factor (VEGF). Ginkgolide B is considered a valid non-pharmacological (or nutraceutical) approach to the prophylaxis of both migraine with and without aura. Effects of ginkgolide B include reduction of Ca2+-stimulated intracellular events, scavenging of free radicals, modulation of central nervous system glutamatergic transmission and reduction of antiplatelet activating factor (PAF) levels in brain. Ginkgolide B is an active component of EGb, a standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves. Ginkgolide B is one of the major components of EGb-761.

Berberine, an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma Coptidis, is known to have a wide array of therapeutic effects including antimicrobial, antineoplastic, and hepatoprotective effects. It is found in several plants including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree tumeric. Berberine seems to slightly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Berberine might lower blood pressure. Berberine is possibly safe for most adults for short-term use when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.