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 Sildenafil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sildenafil? Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that enhances blood flow by relaxing smooth muscles and dilating blood vessels, primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medication has transformed the management of these conditions, offering improved quality of life under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Sildenafil Generic Name Sildenafil Brand Name Viagra (ED), Revatio (PAH), generics Drug Group PDE5 inhibitor (vasodilator) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Manage pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Improve…
Comprehensive Guide to Sevoflurane: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sevoflurane? Sevoflurane is a halogenated ether used as an inhalational anesthetic to induce and maintain general anesthesia during surgical procedures. This medication offers rapid onset and recovery, making it a preferred choice in operating rooms worldwide, administered by trained anesthesiologists. 2. Overview of Sevoflurane Generic Name Sevoflurane Brand Name Ultane, Sevorane, generics Drug Group Inhalational anesthetic Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Induce and maintain general anesthesia. Facilitate surgical procedures. Manage anesthesia in pediatric patients. Key Characteristics Form: Inhalation liquid (100% v/v, administered via vaporizer)…
Comprehensive Guide to Sertraline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sertraline? Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. This medication is a first-line treatment for mood and anxiety disorders, enhancing emotional regulation and quality of life. 2. Overview of Sertraline Generic Name Sertraline Brand Name Zoloft, generics Drug Group Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI, antidepressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Manage anxiety disorders. Address obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Key Characteristics Form:…
Comprehensive Guide to Semaglutide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Semaglutide? Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. This medication is a cornerstone in glycemic control and weight management, administered via subcutaneous injection or oral routes. 2. Overview of Semaglutide Generic Name Semaglutide Brand Name Ozempic, Rybelsus (oral), Wegovy (high-dose for weight loss), generics Drug Group GLP-1 receptor agonist (antidiabetic, anti-obesity) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Control type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Promote…
Comprehensive Guide to Selegiline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Selegiline? Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) type B that increases dopamine levels by inhibiting its breakdown, primarily used to treat Parkinson’s disease and depression. This medication enhances motor function and mood regulation, often employed as an adjunct therapy under specialized care. 2. Overview of Selegiline Generic Name Selegiline Brand Name Eldepryl, Zelapar, generics Drug Group Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI, antiparkinsonian/antidepressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat Parkinson’s disease. Manage depressive disorders. Alleviate motor symptoms as an adjunct. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets…
Comprehensive Guide to Secukinumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Secukinumab? Secukinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine involved in inflammatory diseases. This medication is used to treat autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, offering targeted immune modulation under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Secukinumab Generic Name Secukinumab Brand Name Cosentyx, generics Drug Group IL-17A inhibitor (biologic, immunosuppressive) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Manage psoriatic arthritis. Control ankylosing spondylitis. Key Characteristics Form: Subcutaneous injection (150 mg/mL prefilled syringe…
Comprehensive Guide to Saxagliptin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Saxagliptin? Saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that enhances incretin hormone levels, improving glycemic control by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion. This medication is widely used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), offering a well-tolerated oral option in antidiabetic therapy. 2. Overview of Saxagliptin Generic Name Saxagliptin Brand Name Onglyza, 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 cardiovascular risk in T2DM patients. Key Characteristics Form: Oral…
Comprehensive Guide to Saquinavir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Saquinavir? Saquinavir is a protease inhibitor (PI) that inhibits HIV-1 protease, preventing viral maturation and replication. This medication is a cornerstone in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 management, often used with ritonavir boosting, and administered under specialized care. 2. Overview of Saquinavir Generic Name Saquinavir Brand Name Invirase, generics Drug Group Protease inhibitor (antiretroviral) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat HIV-1 infection. Manage antiretroviral therapy regimens. Reduce viral load in combination therapy. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (500 mg) and capsules (200 mg) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Salmeterol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Salmeterol? Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, improving airflow in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication is a cornerstone in maintenance therapy, often combined with inhaled corticosteroids for optimal control. 2. Overview of Salmeterol Generic Name Salmeterol Brand Name Serevent, generics (e.g., in combination with fluticasone as Advair) Drug Group Long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA, bronchodilator) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Manage asthma. Treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.…
Comprehensive Guide to Salbutamol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Salbutamol? Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, improving airflow in the lungs. This medication is widely used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), offering rapid relief to patients. 2. Overview of Salbutamol Generic Name Salbutamol (known as Albuterol in the USA) Brand Name Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil, generics Drug Group Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Relieve acute asthma symptoms. Prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Manage COPD exacerbations. Key…