Author: Andrew Parker, MD
Andrew Parker, MD
Dr. Andrew Parker is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and has worked at leading hospitals including St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Parker specializes in patient education and digital health communication. He now focuses on creating clear, accessible, and evidence-based medical content for the public.
Comprehensive Guide to Sotalol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sotalol? Sotalol is a non-selective beta-blocker with additional Class III antiarrhythmic properties, used to manage life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation or flutter. This medication stabilizes cardiac electrical activity, making it a critical tool in cardiovascular care under specialized supervision. 2. Overview of Sotalol Generic Name Sotalol Brand Name Betapace, Sorine, generics Drug Group Beta-blocker with Class III antiarrhythmic properties Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat ventricular arrhythmias. Manage atrial fibrillation or flutter. Prevent sudden cardiac death. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (80 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Solifenacin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Solifenacin? Solifenacin is an antimuscarinic agent that selectively blocks muscarinic M3 receptors, reducing bladder muscle contractions to alleviate overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. This medication enhances urinary control and quality of life, making it a cornerstone in managing urinary disorders. 2. Overview of Solifenacin Generic Name Solifenacin Brand Name Vesicare, generics Drug Group Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat overactive bladder (OAB). Reduce urinary incontinence. Manage urinary urgency and frequency. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg) (detailed in Dosage section).…
Comprehensive Guide to Sofosbuvir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sofosbuvir? Sofosbuvir is a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) that inhibits the NS5B polymerase of hepatitis C virus (HCV), preventing viral replication. This medication is a cornerstone of HCV treatment, often combined with other DAAs to achieve high cure rates, administered under specialized care. 2. Overview of Sofosbuvir Generic Name Sofosbuvir Brand Name Sovaldi, generics (e.g., in combination with ledipasvir as Harvoni) Drug Group NS5B polymerase inhibitor (direct-acting antiviral) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Achieve sustained virologic response (SVR)…
Comprehensive Guide to Sodium Valproate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sodium Valproate? Sodium valproate is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication that increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and other neurological conditions. This medication is a cornerstone therapy, administered under medical supervision to manage chronic conditions. 2. Overview of Sodium Valproate Generic Name Sodium valproate Brand Name Depakote, Epilim, generics Drug Group Anticonvulsant, mood stabilizer Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat epilepsy and seizures. Manage bipolar disorder. Control migraine prophylaxis. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (125…
Comprehensive Guide to Sodium Bicarbonate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sodium Bicarbonate? Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalinizing agent that neutralizes excess acid in the body by acting as a buffer, commonly used to treat conditions like acidosis, urinary alkalinization, and certain poisonings. This medication is available in various forms and is a critical intervention in medical emergencies and chronic disease management. 2. Overview of Sodium Bicarbonate Generic Name Sodium bicarbonate Brand Name Baking soda (over-the-counter), Neut, generic formulations Drug Group Alkalinizing agent (antacid, electrolyte) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat metabolic acidosis. Alkalinize…
Comprehensive Guide to Sitagliptin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sitagliptin? Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that enhances incretin hormone activity, improving glycemic control by increasing insulin release and decreasing glucagon levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This medication is a cornerstone in managing T2DM, often used alone or with other antidiabetic agents. 2. Overview of Sitagliptin Generic Name Sitagliptin Brand Name Januvia, generics Drug Group DPP-4 inhibitor (antidiabetic) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improve glycemic control. Reduce HbA1c levels. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets…
Comprehensive Guide to Simvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Simvastatin? Simvastatin is a statin that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme critical to cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This medication is widely used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, manage hyperlipidemia, and reduce heart attack risk, administered under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Simvastatin Generic Name Simvastatin Brand Name Zocor, generics Drug Group HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin, lipid-lowering agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Prevent cardiovascular events. Manage hypercholesterolemia. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10…
Comprehensive Guide to Simethicone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Simethicone? Simethicone is an antiflatulent agent that reduces surface tension of gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating their expulsion and relieving bloating and discomfort. This medication is widely used to alleviate symptoms of gas-related conditions, available over-the-counter and in prescription formulations. 2. Overview of Simethicone Generic Name Simethicone Brand Name Mylicon, Gas-X, Phazyme, generics Drug Group Antiflatulent (gastrointestinal agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Relieve bloating and gas pain. Reduce discomfort from excess gas. Aid in diagnostic procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract. Key…
Comprehensive Guide to Silver Sulfadiazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Silver sulfadiazine? Silver sulfadiazine is a topical antimicrobial agent that combines silver with sulfadiazine to prevent and treat bacterial infections in burns and other skin injuries. This medication is widely used to protect against infection in second- and third-degree burns, promoting a sterile environment for healing. 2. Overview of Silver sulfadiazine Generic Name Silver sulfadiazine Brand Name Silvadene, SSD, generics Drug Group Topical sulfonamide antimicrobial Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Prevent infections in burn wounds. Treat bacterial infections in skin grafts. Manage chronic…
Comprehensive Guide to Silodosin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Silodosin? Silodosin is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist that relaxes smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medication is a targeted therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), administered under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Silodosin Generic Name Silodosin Brand Name Rapaflo, generics Drug Group Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker (urological) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Relieve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Improve urine flow in men.…