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 Pyridoxine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pyridoxine? Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and red blood cell production. This medication is used to prevent or treat vitamin B6 deficiency, support neurological health, and address related conditions under medical guidance. Overview of Pyridoxine Generic Name: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Brand Name: Various generics (e.g., pyridoxine HCl), no major branded formulation Drug Group: Water-soluble vitamin (B-complex) Commonly Used For Prevent or treat vitamin B6 deficiency. Manage peripheral neuropathy. Support homocysteine metabolism. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets…
Comprehensive Guide to Pyridostigmine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pyridostigmine? Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, enhancing neuromuscular transmission. This medication is primarily used to treat myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder, and is also employed in managing other conditions involving muscle weakness or nerve agent exposure. Overview of Pyridostigmine Generic Name: Pyridostigmine Brand Name: Mestinon, Regonol, generics Drug Group: Cholinesterase inhibitor Commonly Used For Treat myasthenia gravis (MG). Manage postoperative urinary retention. Serve as a pretreatment for nerve agent exposure. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (60 mg), extended-release tablets (180 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Pyrazinamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pyrazinamide? Pyrazinamide is a first-line antitubercular agent that inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by disrupting its mycolic acid synthesis, particularly in acidic environments. This medication is a cornerstone of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, often used in combination with other drugs to combat active and latent TB. Overview of Pyrazinamide Generic Name: Pyrazinamide Brand Name: Various generics (no prominent brand) Drug Group: Antitubercular (antimycobacterial) Commonly Used For Treat active tuberculosis (TB). Manage latent TB infection. Prevent TB progression in high-risk individuals. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (500 mg) or…
Comprehensive Guide to Pyrantel Pamoate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pyrantel Pamoate? Pyrantel pamoate is an anthelmintic medication that paralyzes parasitic worms by acting as a nicotinic receptor agonist, enabling their expulsion from the gastrointestinal tract. This medication is widely used to treat intestinal worm infections, offering an effective solution for both human and veterinary applications. Overview of Pyrantel Pamoate Generic Name: Pyrantel pamoate Brand Name: Pin-X, Combantrin, generics Drug Group: Anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) Commonly Used For Treat pinworm infections. Manage roundworm infections. Control hookworm infections. Key Characteristics Form: Oral suspension (50 mg/mL), chewable tablets (180 mg) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Pseudoephedrine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts as a decongestant by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, relieving nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, or sinusitis. This medication is widely used for symptomatic relief and is available in various over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription formulations. Overview of Pseudoephedrine Generic Name: Pseudoephedrine Brand Name: Sudafed, Claritin-D, generics Drug Group: Sympathomimetic (decongestant) Commonly Used For Relieve nasal congestion due to colds or allergies. Reduce sinus pressure. Support symptomatic relief in upper respiratory infections. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (30…
Comprehensive Guide to Propylthiouracil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Propylthiouracil? Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid medication that inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis by blocking the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, used primarily to treat hyperthyroidism and related conditions. This medication helps restore normal thyroid function, often employed in acute or chronic management under medical supervision. Overview of Propylthiouracil Generic Name: Propylthiouracil Brand Name: PTU, generics Drug Group: Antithyroid agent Commonly Used For Treat hyperthyroidism. Manage Graves’ disease. Control thyroid storm. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (50 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits iodine organification and coupling of iodotyrosines, reducing thyroid…
Comprehensive Guide to Propranolol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Propranolol? Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker that reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand by blocking the effects of adrenaline. This medication is widely used to manage cardiovascular conditions, anxiety, and other disorders, offering versatile therapeutic benefits. Overview of Propranolol Generic Name: Propranolol Brand Name: Inderal, InnoPran XL, generics Drug Group: Beta-blocker (non-selective) Commonly Used For Treat hypertension. Manage angina pectoris. Control essential tremor and anxiety. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg), extended-release capsules (60…
Comprehensive Guide to Propofol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Propofol? Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent that induces and maintains general anesthesia or sedation by enhancing GABA-mediated inhibition in the central nervous system. This medication is widely used in surgical procedures, intensive care, and procedural sedation, administered by trained professionals. Overview of Propofol Generic Name: Propofol Brand Name: Diprivan, generics Drug Group: Intravenous anesthetic Commonly Used For Induce and maintain general anesthesia. Provide sedation in intensive care units (ICUs). Facilitate procedural sedation. Key Characteristics Form: Oil-in-water emulsion for injection (10 mg/mL in 20 mL, 50 mL,…
Comprehensive Guide to Promethazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Promethazine? Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine with additional anticholinergic and sedative properties, primarily used to relieve allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and nausea. This medication also serves as an adjunct in anesthesia and pain management, administered under medical supervision. Overview of Promethazine Generic Name: Promethazine Brand Name: Phenergan, generics Drug Group: First-generation antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) Commonly Used For Relieve allergic reactions. Treat motion sickness and nausea. Manage preoperative sedation. Key Characteristics Form: Tablets (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg), syrup (6.25 mg/5 mL), injection (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL)…
Comprehensive Guide to Progesterone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Progesterone? Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, and influences various physiological processes. This medication, available in synthetic and natural forms, is used to treat hormonal deficiencies, support fertility, and manage menopausal symptoms. Overview of Progesterone Generic Name: Progesterone Brand Name: Prometrium, Crinone, Endometrin, generics Drug Group: Progestin (hormone replacement therapy, fertility agent) Commonly Used For Support pregnancy in infertility treatments. Manage menopausal symptoms. Regulate abnormal uterine bleeding. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (100 mg, 200 mg), vaginal gel (4%, 8%),…