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 Sacubitril/Valsartan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Sacubitril/Valsartan? Sacubitril/Valsartan is a combination medication classified as an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) that enhances natriuretic peptides and blocks angiotensin II receptors. This drug is primarily used to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), offering significant cardiovascular benefits under specialized care. 2. Overview of Sacubitril/Valsartan Generic Name Sacubitril/Valsartan Brand Name Entresto, generics Drug Group Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI, cardiovascular) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Reduce hospitalizations in heart failure patients. Improve survival rates in…
Comprehensive Guide to Rosuvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rosuvastatin? Rosuvastatin is a statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting its synthesis in the liver, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This medication is widely used to manage dyslipidemia and prevent heart-related complications, administered under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Rosuvastatin Generic Name Rosuvastatin Brand Name Crestor, generics Drug Group HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Increase HDL cholesterol. Prevent cardiovascular events. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20…
Comprehensive Guide to Rosiglitazone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rosiglitazone? Rosiglitazone is a thiazolidinedione (TZD) that enhances insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This medication improves glycemic control and is often part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. 2. Overview of Rosiglitazone Generic Name Rosiglitazone Brand Name Avandia, generics Drug Group Thiazolidinedione (antidiabetic) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improve insulin sensitivity. Control blood glucose levels. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (2 mg, 4 mg, 8…
Comprehensive Guide to Romiplostim: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Romiplostim? Romiplostim is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that stimulates platelet production by activating the thrombopoietin receptor on megakaryocytes, primarily used to treat thrombocytopenia. This medication is a critical therapy for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), administered under specialized supervision. 2. Overview of Romiplostim Generic Name Romiplostim Brand Name Nplate, generics Drug Group Thrombopoietin receptor agonist (hematologic agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Increase platelet counts in chronic ITP. Manage bleeding risks in thrombocytopenia. Key Characteristics Form: Subcutaneous injection (125 mcg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Roflumilast: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Roflumilast? Roflumilast is a selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor that reduces inflammation by increasing cyclic AMP levels, primarily used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication targets severe COPD with chronic bronchitis, improving lung function and quality of life under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Roflumilast Generic Name Roflumilast Brand Name Daliresp, Daxas (Europe), generics Drug Group PDE4 inhibitor (anti-inflammatory) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Manage severe COPD with chronic bronchitis. Reduce exacerbations in COPD patients. Improve respiratory function. Key Characteristics Form: Oral…
Comprehensive Guide to Rocuronium: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rocuronium? Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that induces skeletal muscle relaxation by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This medication is widely used in anesthesia to facilitate endotracheal intubation and manage muscle relaxation during surgical procedures or mechanical ventilation. 2. Overview of Rocuronium Generic Name Rocuronium Brand Name Zemuron, generics Drug Group Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Facilitate endotracheal intubation. Provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery. Assist with mechanical ventilation in critical care. Key Characteristics Form: Intravenous solution…
Comprehensive Guide to Rizatriptan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rizatriptan? Rizatriptan is a selective serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist, commonly known as a triptan, used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura. This medication works by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the brain, offering rapid relief for migraine sufferers under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Rizatriptan Generic Name Rizatriptan Brand Name Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT (orally disintegrating), generics Drug Group Triptan (serotonin receptor agonist, antimigraine) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat acute migraine attacks. Relieve migraine-associated symptoms (e.g., nausea, sensitivity to light).…
Comprehensive Guide to Rivaroxaban: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rivaroxaban? Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits Factor Xa, a key component in the coagulation cascade, preventing blood clot formation. This medication is widely used to treat and prevent thromboembolic disorders, offering a convenient alternative to warfarin under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Rivaroxaban Generic Name Rivaroxaban Brand Name Xarelto, generics Drug Group Direct Factor Xa inhibitor (anticoagulant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Reduce risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). Manage atrial fibrillation (AF) and…
Comprehensive Guide to Rituximab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Rituximab? Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B-cells, inducing their depletion through mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). This medication is widely used in treating certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and other B-cell-related disorders, administered under specialized medical supervision. 2. Overview of Rituximab Generic Name Rituximab Brand Name Rituxan, MabThera, Truxima, generics Drug Group Monoclonal antibody (anti-CD20 immunotherapy) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Control autoimmune conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Concentrate…
Comprehensive Guide to Ritonavir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Ritonavir? Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor that inhibits HIV-1 protease, preventing viral maturation, and is widely used as a pharmacokinetic booster in antiretroviral therapy (ART). This medication plays a dual role in managing HIV infection and enhancing the efficacy of other protease inhibitors, administered under specialized care. 2. Overview of Ritonavir Generic Name Ritonavir Brand Name Norvir, generics Drug Group Protease inhibitor (antiretroviral) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat HIV-1 infection. Boost other protease inhibitors in ART. Manage antiretroviral regimens. Key Characteristics Form: Oral…