Thyroid hormone increases the basal metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and sensitivity to catecholamines.  Thyroid hormone is released primarily at T4 from the thyroid and converted in circulation to the more active T3.  Levothyroixine is synthetic T4, and Liothyronine is synthetic T3.

Bisphosphonates inhibit the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts by encouraging osteoclast apoptosis.  The inhibition of osteoclasts shifts the balance of bone creation and breakdown to promote formation of new bone.

Calcium channel blockers inhibit the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.  This reduces cardiac contractility and vascular smooth muscle tone.  These two actions result in a decreased blood pressure.

*Also contains Trandolapril
**Also contains Benazepril
***Also includes Atorvastatin

* Also contains Salmeterol
** Also contains Formoterol

*Also contains Ipratropium Bromide

Fluoroquinolones are bactericidal drugs that inhibit DNA replication by blocking the action of bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase IV).  Fluroquinolones have a broad spectrum of action against a variety of bacterial pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphlococcus aureus, and others.

*Also contains hydrochlorothiazide
** Also contains verapamil
*** Also contains felodipine
**** Also contains amlodipine

SSRIs increase serotonin levels by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic cell.  This increases the serotonin available to bind to the postsynaptic serotonin receptor.

Antihistamines (histamine antagonist) block the action of histamine at the H1 and H2 histamine receptors.  Antihistamines that primarily block the H1 receptor are used to treat allergies.

Allergens interact with immune cells to cause the release of histamine, which binds to the H1 receptor on other cells to produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Inhibition of histamine binding to target cells reduces allergic symptoms.

*Also contains Pseudoephedrine

Antiplatelet agents decrease platelet aggregation by different methods -

• Aspirin inhibits the COX enzymes, causing decreased production of TXA2
• Dipyridamole (an Aggrenox component) inhibits platelet phosphodiesterase, which increases PGI2 levels.  PGI2 inhibits TXA2.
• Clopidogrel (Plavix) inhibits the ADP-dependent activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex

*Also contains aspirin

Statins are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 60%.

Statins also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Statins are well-tolerated, but have two rare but significant side effects:  liver and muscle injury.

Three statins are available in generic form.