Browse medicines
Some records contain detailed evidence; others currently contain only basic identity and regulatory information. Reviewed conclusions appear only when they are available for a specific use and group of people.
Showing 1–60 of 8,987 records
Inclisiran (Leqvio)
RNA-silencing medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High LDL cholesterol that stays high despite statins
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus)
Peptide medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart and kidney risk that comes with them
Metformin (Glucophage)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Type 2 diabetes, and blood sugar that is too high
Creatine monohydrate
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Taken for strength and power output in short, hard efforts
Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, Durlaza; acetylsalicylic acid)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Pain and fever; and, at low dose, preventing clots in people who already have heart or artery disease
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High cholesterol, and the risk of a heart attack or a stroke
Adalimumab (Humira)
Antibody medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Rheumatoid arthritis and other long-term inflammatory diseases
Caffeine (Caffeine anhydrous in supplements; caffeine citrate is an FDA-approved prescription drug for apnea of prematurity (Cafcit, NDA 020793))
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Taken for alertness, and before training or competition for performance
Psilocybin (COMP360 (COMPASS Pathways synthetic formulation); no marketed product)
Small chemical medicineControlled substance; no approved US useDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Nothing approved. Tested for depression that has not responded to other treatments, and for depression and anxiety in people with cancer
Warfarin (Coumadin / Jantoven)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Preventing and treating blood clots, including stroke from an irregular heartbeat and clots on a mechanical heart valve
Cocaine (Goprelto and Numbrino — cocaine hydrochloride nasal solution 4%)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Numbing the inside of the nose for procedures and surgery there. That is the whole of its approved use
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, Caldolor)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Pain, fever and inflammation
Melatonin (Prolonged-release melatonin is a prescription medicine in the EU as Circadin (EMEA/H/C/000695); in the US the same molecule is an unregulated dietary supplement)
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Taken to fall asleep faster, and to reset the clock after flying
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
Antibody medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Many advanced cancers, by releasing the immune brake on tumour-fighting T cells
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol, Ofirmev (intravenous); paracetamol outside North America)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Pain and fever
Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes with heart or kidney risk
Exagamglogene autotemcel (Casgevy)
Gene-editing or gene therapyApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia
Insulin glargine (Lantus)
Protein medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Once-daily background insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Cardarine (GW501516; also written GW1516 in anti-doping documents)
Small chemical medicineIn Phase 2 testingDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Abandoned cholesterol and metabolic drug, still sold as a fat burner
Lisinopril (Zestril / Prinivil)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High blood pressure, heart failure, and the days after a heart attack
Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Small chemical medicineWithdrawn from the marketDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Arthritis and pain relief, from a painkiller designed to spare the stomach
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High blood pressure, and chest pain from narrowed heart arteries
Berberine
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Marketed for blood sugar and cholesterol, approved for neither
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Epilepsy, including seizures that start in one part of the brain, and long-term mood stabilisation in bipolar I disorder
Cannabidiol (CBD) (Epidiolex (oral solution); Epidyolex in Europe. Also sold unapproved in consumer products)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Seizures in three severe childhood epilepsies. Nothing else is approved, including everything CBD is sold for in shops
Gabapentin (Neurontin / Gralise / Horizant)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Nerve pain after shingles, and add-on treatment for some seizures
Heroin (Diamorphine, Diacetylmorphine) (Diamorphine Hydrochloride for Injection — a licensed medicine in the United Kingdom. Originally marketed by Bayer as Heroin from 1898)
Small chemical medicineControlled substance; no approved US useDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
In the UK, severe pain after surgery, during a heart attack, in terminal illness, and breathlessness in acute heart failure. In the US, nothing — it is in the schedule reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use
Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
Antibody medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory spine disease
Acarbose (Precose)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Type 2 diabetes — a tablet that slows the digestion of starch in the gut
L-theanine (Sold as Suntheanine and as generic L-theanine)
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Marketed for calm alertness; no approved health claim in the EU
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (Midomafetamine — the proposed non-proprietary name in NDA 215455. No marketed product)
Small chemical medicineControlled substance; no approved US useDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Nothing approved. Two completed phase 3 trials tested it, with therapy, for post-traumatic stress disorder; the FDA turned the application down and asked for another trial
2,4-Dinitrophenol (Marketed in the United States from 1933 under many names, including Formula 281 and Nitromet; sold online today as DNP)
Small chemical medicineWithdrawn from the marketDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Weight loss — the drug works and the same mechanism is what kills people
Bictegravir (Biktarvy)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
HIV infection, as one tablet containing three drugs
Abacavir (Ziagen; with lamivudine as Epzicom, and with dolutegravir and lamivudine as Triumeq)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
HIV-1 infection, as part of a combination regimen
Inotersen (Tegsedi)
Gene-silencing medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Hereditary ATTR Amyloidosis with Nerve Damage
Melanotan II (No trade name; sold as MT-II or MT2, by injection and as a nasal spray)
Peptide medicineControlled substance; no approved US useDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Tanning without sun — unlicensed everywhere, with no approved use
Amoxicillin (Amoxil / Moxatag)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Bacterial infections of the ear, throat, sinuses, chest and urine
Desmopressin (DDAVP / Stimate / Nocdurna / Noctiva)
Peptide medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Passing far too much urine because the body is missing the hormone that concentrates it — and, separately, bleeding in mild haemophilia A or mild von Willebrand disease
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Protein medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and related long-term inflammatory diseases
Insulin Aspart (NovoLog / Fiasp / NovoLog Mix 70/30 / Kirsty / Merilog / Garzulys)
Protein medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Diabetes — the fast insulin taken around meals
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Antibody medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Early Alzheimer disease, confirmed by an amyloid scan or spinal fluid test
Alirocumab (Praluent)
Antibody medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High cholesterol after a heart attack, when statins are not enough
Ashwagandha (Sold as standardised root extracts including KSM-66 and Sensoril)
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Marketed for stress and sleep; legal status differs between countries
Glycine (Also labelled aminoacetic acid; glycine 1.5% irrigation solution is an FDA-approved prescription product (NDA 017865 and others))
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Taken before bed for sleep quality, and for collagen and detox support
Ipamorelin (Also written NNC 26-0161. No trade name; never marketed)
Peptide medicineIn Phase 2 testingDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
A growth hormone releaser designed to leave cortisol alone — never approved
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) (Delysid (Sandoz, 1947-1966); MM120 / lysergide D-tartrate in current trials)
Small chemical medicineControlled substance; no approved US useDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Nothing, legally, in the United States — it is a Schedule I drug. It is being tested in late-stage trials for generalised anxiety disorder
Methylprednisolone (Medrol / Solu-Medrol / Depo-Medrol / A-Methapred / Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Severe inflammation, autoimmune flares and allergic reactions, particularly where a high dose is needed quickly by injection
St John's wort (Sold as standardised Hypericum perforatum extracts including LI-160, WS 5570 and Ze 117)
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Mild to moderate depression — with serious interactions
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst / Acetadote / Cetylev)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
The antidote for a paracetamol overdose, and a very old drug for loosening thick mucus
Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Long-standing hepatitis B infection of the liver
Alogliptin (Nesina)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Type 2 diabetes — a once-daily tablet that extends the gut hormone signal
Epoetin alfa (Epogen / Procrit)
Protein medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Low red blood cell count caused by kidney failure, HIV treatment or chemotherapy
Etomidate (Amidate)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Putting a person to sleep for surgery when their blood pressure will not tolerate the usual drug
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid / Dilaudid-HP / Exalgo / Palladone)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Pain severe enough to need an opioid, especially where the dose must fit into a small injection
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Mitragynine (No approved product. Sold as leaf powder, capsules, extracts and, since about 2023, as concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine tablets, gummies and sublingual films)
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Nothing approved. It is sold in petrol stations and smoke shops, is used by around two million American adults a year, and works partly through the same receptor as morphine
Meloxicam (Mobic, Vivlodex, Qmiiz ODT, Anjeso (intravenous))
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Arthritis pain and inflammation, taken once a day
Montelukast (Singulair)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Asthma taken as a daily tablet, and hay fever when other drugs fail
Nebivolol (Bystolic)
Small chemical medicineApproved in the United States (FDA)Detailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
High blood pressure
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Small chemical medicineWithdrawn from the marketDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
A heartburn and ulcer tablet, sold on prescription and over the counter
Vitamin D3
Nutritional or plant productDietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a medicineDetailed recordUse listed on the medicine record
Taken for bones and immunity, tested against most of that and failed