The invention relates to benzimidazole-carboxamide 5-HT.sub.4 receptor agonist compounds of formula (I) ##STR00001##
wherein R.sup.1 and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT.sub.4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

A compound of formula I ##STR00001##
wherein A, X, Y, Z, R.sub.1 and R.sub.24 are described herein. The compounds are useful as inhibitors of potassium channel function and in the treatment and prevention of arrhythmia, I.sub.Kur-associated disorders, and other disorders mediated by ion channel function.

Disclosed are novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains as well as a composition containing the novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains or a culture thereof.

Compounds comprising piperazines, piperidines, spiro-furanopiperidines, and analogs thereof are provided that are modulators, such as positive allosteric modulators, of one or more subclasses of vasopressin receptors. The compounds can be selective modulators of one or more subclasses of vasopressin receptors. Compounds of the invention can be used in the treatment of a condition wherein modulating a vasopressin receptor is medically indicated for treatment of the condition.

The invention provides methods for treating a patient with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by administering a therapeutically effective dose of linaclotide.

An agent for secreting ghrelin, comprising ornithine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient, an agent for enhancing eating activity, comprising ornithine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient, and an agent for enhancing gastrointestinal activity, comprising ornithine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient.

This invention relates to methods of stimulating the activity of the human and animal enteric nervous system. The method comprises orally administering an aminoserol, such as squalamine, a naturally occurring aminosterol isolated from Squalus acanthias, or derivatives thereof, to a subject in need.

The present invention relates to a novel aminoalkylbenzothiazepine derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating constipation comprising the same as an active ingredient.

Compounds are provided according to Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein X, Y, R.sup.1, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.4a, R.sup.4b, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions.

##STR00001##

The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.