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. 2022 Jan 15;92(3):485–493. doi: 10.1007/s40011-021-01319-x

Table 1.

Some of the classic examples of repurposed drugs

Drug Original indication Repurposed indication
Thalidomide Sedative Leprosy and Multiple myeloma
Ropinirole Parkinson's disease Restless legs syndrome, sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Pregabalin and Gabapentin Anti‐epileptics Neuropathic pain and anxiety disorders
Minoxidil Anti‐hypertensive agent Topical treatment for hair re‐growth
Methotrexate Chemotherapy drug Autoimmune disorders including arthritis
Gemcitabine Anti-viral Anticancer
Raloxifene Breast cancer Osteoporosis
Buproprion Depression Smoking cessation
Dapoxetine Analgesia Premature ejaculation
Dapsone (DDS) Antileprosy drug Antimalarial
Fluxetine Depression Premenstrual dysphoria disorder (PMDD)
Doxepin Antidepressant Antipruritic
Bimatoprost Glaucoma Eyelash growth

Papapetropoulos and Szabo [31], Insa [32]