Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic marketed by Merck as Invanz. The bactericidal activity of ertapenem results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through ertapenem binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). In Escherichia coli, it has strong affinity toward PBPs 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with preference for PBPs 2 and 3. Ertapenem has been designed to be effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The most common drug-related adverse experiences in patients treated with INVANZ, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, were diarrhea (5.5%), infused vein complication (3.7%), nausea (3.1%), headache (2.2%), vaginitis in females (2.1%), phlebitis/thrombophlebitis (1.3%), and vomiting (1.1%). The coadministration with probenecid to extend the half-life of ertapenem is not recommended.

(R)-9-(2-Phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA known as tenofovir) is an antiviral drug. Diphosphate of PMPA acts as a selective inhibitor of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Tenofovir disoproxil was approved for clinical use for the treatment of HIV infection (AIDS) and chronic HBV infection.

Dexmethylphenidate is the dextrorotary form of methylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate is marketed under the trade name Focalin. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) is the d-threo-enantiomer of racemic methylphenidate hydrochloride, which is a 50/50 mixture of the d-threo and l-threoenantiomers. Focalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, available in three tablet strengths. Each tablet contains dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride 2.5, 5, or 10 mg for oral administration. Dexmethylphenidate is used as a treatment for ADHD, ideally in conjunction with psychological, educational, behavioral or other forms of treatment. Methylphenidate blocks dopamine uptake in central adrenergic neurons by blocking dopamine transport or carrier proteins. Methylphenidate acts at the brain stem arousal system and the cerebral cortex and causes increased sympathomimetic activity in the central nervous system. Methylphenidate is a catecholamine reuptake inhibitor that indirectly increases catecholaminergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET), which are responsible for clearing catecholamines from the synapse, particularly in the striatum and meso-limbic system.

Almotriptan is a triptan drug for the treatment of migraine headaches. Almotriptan is marketed under the trade name Axert. Almotriptan is used for treating acute migraine headaches with or without aura (eg, dark spots, flashing lights, wavy lines). Almotriptan binds with high affinity to 5-HT1D, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1F receptors. Almotriptan has weak affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors, but has no significant affinity or pharmacological activity at 5-HT2, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, 5-HT6; alpha or beta adrenergic; adenosine (A1, A2); angiotensin (AT1, AT2); dopamine (D1, D2); endothelin (ETA, ETB); or tachykinin (NK1, NK2, NK3) binding sites.

Articaine is a dental local anesthetic, which is the most widely used in a number of European countries and is available in many countries around the world. Articaine in combination with epinephrine under the brand name Septocaine is indicated for local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures. Local anesthetics block the generation and conduction of nerve impulses, presumably by increasing the threshold for electrical excitation in the nerve, by slowing the propagation of the nerve impulse, and by reducing the rate of rising of the action potential. In general, the progression of anesthesia is related to the diameter, myelination, and conduction velocity of the affected nerve fibers. Articaine blocks the actions on Na+ channels. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor added to articaine HCl to slow absorption into the general circulation and thus prolong maintenance of an active tissue concentration.

Cevimeline is a cholinergic agonist, which binds to muscarinic receptors. Muscarinic agonists in sufficient dosage can increase secretion of exocrine glands, such as salivary and sweat glands and increase tone of the smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Cevimeline is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Known side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, rash, headache, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, hot flashes, blurred vision, and difficulty sleeping. Cevimeline should be administered with caution to patients taking beta adrenergic antagonists, because of the possibility of conduction disturbances. Drugs with para-sympathomimetic effects administered concurrently with cevimeline can be expected to have additive effects. Cevimeline might interfere with desirable antimuscarinic effects of drugs used concomitantly.

Lopinavir (ABT-378) is an antiretroviral of the protease inhibitor class. It is used against HIV infections as a fixed-dose combination with another protease inhibitor, ritonavir, under the trade names Kaletra.

Meloxicam (brand name Mobic) is an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Mobic is indicated for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and has been available in the U.S. since June 2000. The mechanism of action like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Meloxicam concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in inducing pain in animal models. Prostaglandins are mediators of inflammation. Because meloxicam is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, its mode of action may be due to a decrease of prostaglandins in peripheral tissues. MOBIC is contraindicated in patients who have experienced asthma, itching or allergic type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients. As with all NSAIDs, serious GI toxicity such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine can occur at any time, without symptoms. As with other NSAIDs, meloxicam is not indicated for prevention of thromboembolic events and is not a substitute for aspirin or other drugs indicated for cardiovascular prophylaxis. It was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and is co-marketed with Abbott Laboratories. Meloxicam is also used in the veterinary field, most commonly in dogs and cats, but also sees off-label use in other animals such as cattle and exotics

Argatroban is a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor derived from L-arginine. Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that reversibly binds to the thrombin active site. Argatroban does not require the co-factor antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Argatroban exerts its anticoagulant effects by inhibiting thrombin-catalyzed or -induced reactions, including fibrin formation; activation of coagulation factors V, VIII, and XIII; protein C; and platelet aggregation. Argatroban is highly selective for thrombin with an inhibitory constant (Ki) of 0.04 µM. At therapeutic concentrations, Argatroban has little or no effect on related serine proteases (trypsin, factor Xa, plasmin, and kallikrein). Argatroban is capable of inhibiting the action of both free and clot-associated thrombin. Argatroban is indicated as an anticoagulant for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Argatroban is indicated as an anticoagulant in patients with or at risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid appears to be unique in that it blocks the initiation of protein production. Most common adverse reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nausea, and anemia. Linezolid has the potential for interaction with adrenergic and serotonergic agents. And with monoamine oxidase inhibitors because it’s nonselective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase.