New Delhi. Monday 19 July 2010: Heart Care Foundation of India released a list of common drugs used unconventionally for conditions other than those approved by the FDA. Off-label use of drugs is a common practice all over the world said Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India & MTNL Perfect Health Mela.

Asthma drug for smell disorder: An asthma drug, theophylline, shows promise in restoring the sense of smell in those who have lost that precious ability. About 20 million people in the United States have some degree of hyposmia, or loss of the sense of smell, affecting their ability to enjoy the flavor of artichokes and the fragrance of azaleas. Many things can cause this problem. The most common causes are viruses, head trauma, severe allergies or some kind of anatomic obstruction in the nose or nasal polyps. According to a study in the June issue of the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, there are not many effective treatments.

Epilepsy drug for wound: The common epilepsy drug, phenytoin, is used to heal wounds as it causes hypertrophy of the granulation tissue. The main side effect of the drug, gingival hyperplasia, is now used as a therapy point.

BP drug for kidney stones: Nifedipine, a common blood pressure drug, is now used to pass out small ureteric stones smaller than 10 mm.

ED drug for COPD: Viagra, the erectile drug, has now been used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD.

Depression drug for premature ejaculation: The SSRI drug sertraline is approved as an antidepressant. It is also commonly prescribed off–label to help men suffering from premature ejaculation.

Cancer drug for pregnancy: Methotrexate, approved for the treatment of choriocarcinoma, is frequently used for the medical treatment of an unruptured ectopic pregnancy.

'Fits' drug for tremors: Gabapentin, approved for treatment of fits and post herpetic neuralgia in adults, is used off–label for bipolar disorder, essential tremors, hot flashes, migraine, neuropathic pains, phantom limb and restless leg syndrome.