Fluoxetine in the context of Xerostomia

Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. Solutions of HF are colorless, acidic and highly corrosive. A common concentration is 49% (48–52%) but there are also stronger solutions (e.g. 70%) and pure HF has a boiling point near room temperature. It is used to make most organofluorine compounds; examples include the commonly used pharmaceutical antidepressant medication fluoxetine (Prozac) and the material polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Elemental fluorine is produced from it. It is commonly used to etch glass and silicon wafers.

Organofluorine chemistry describes the chemistry of organofluorine compounds, organic compounds that contain a carbon–fluorine bond. Organofluorine compounds find diverse applications ranging from oil and water repellents to pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, and reagents in catalysis. In fact, "about 40% of new pharmaceuticals ... and 25% of all those on the market... contain fluorine".

In addition to these applications, some organofluorine compounds are pollutants because of their contributions to ozone depletion, global warming, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. The area of organofluorine chemistry often requires special techniques associated with the handling of fluorinating agents.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions.

SSRIs primarily work by blocking serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the serotonin transporter, leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation, with some also interacting with sigma-1 receptors, particularly fluvoxamine, which may contribute to cognitive effects. Marketed SSRIs include six main antidepressants—citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline—and dapoxetine, which is indicated for premature ejaculation. Fluoxetine has been approved for veterinary use in the treatment of canine separation anxiety.

Halocarbon compounds are chemical compounds in which one or more carbon atoms are linked by covalent bonds with one or more halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine – group 17) resulting in the formation of organofluorine compounds, organochlorine compounds, organobromine compounds, organoiodine compounds, and organoastatine compounds. Chlorine halocarbons are the most common and are called organochlorides.

Many synthetic organic compounds such as plastic polymers, and a few natural ones, contain halogen atoms; they are known as halogenated compounds or organohalogens. Organochlorides are the most common industrially used organohalides, although the other organohalides are used commonly in organic synthesis. Except for extremely rare cases, organohalides are not produced biologically, but many pharmaceuticals are organohalides. Notably, many pharmaceuticals such as Prozac have trifluoromethyl groups.