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 Polymyxin B: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Polymyxin B? Polymyxin B is a polypeptide antibiotic that disrupts bacterial cell membranes by binding to lipopolysaccharides, primarily used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. This medication is a critical option for severe infections when other antibiotics fail, administered under close medical supervision. Overview of Polymyxin B Generic Name: Polymyxin B Brand Name: Poly-Rx, generics Drug Group: Polypeptide antibiotic Commonly Used For Treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Manage meningitis caused by susceptible bacteria. Control severe urinary tract infections. Key Characteristics Form: Powder for injection (500,000 units/vial), topical ointment,…
Comprehensive Guide to Plerixafor: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Plerixafor? Plerixafor is a CXCR4 chemokine receptor antagonist that mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, primarily used to enhance stem cell collection for autologous transplantation. This medication is a critical tool in managing hematologic malignancies and requires specialized administration. Overview of Plerixafor Generic Name: Plerixafor Brand Name: Mozobil, generics Drug Group: CXCR4 antagonist (hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer) Commonly Used For Mobilize stem cells for autologous transplantation. Support treatment of hematologic malignancies. Enhance peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection. Key Characteristics Form: Solution…
Comprehensive Guide to Pitavastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pitavastatin? Pitavastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting its synthesis in the liver, primarily used to manage dyslipidemia and reduce cardiovascular risk. This medication is valued for its efficacy and safety profile in both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. Overview of Pitavastatin Generic Name: Pitavastatin Brand Name: Livalo, Zypitamag, generics Drug Group: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin, lipid-lowering agent) Commonly Used For Lower LDL cholesterol in dyslipidemia. Reduce cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients. Manage hypercholesterolemia. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (1…
Comprehensive Guide to Piroxicam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Piroxicam? Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis to alleviate pain and inflammation. This medication is widely used for chronic conditions like arthritis, offering long-lasting relief with once-daily dosing. Overview of Piroxicam Generic Name: Piroxicam Brand Name: Feldene, generics Drug Group: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Commonly Used For Relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Manage osteoarthritis pain. Reduce acute musculoskeletal inflammation. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (10 mg, 20 mg), topical gel (0.5%) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits COX-1…
Comprehensive Guide to Piperacillin/Tazobactam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Piperacillin/Tazobactam? Piperacillin/Tazobactam is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination where Piperacillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic, is paired with Tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, to enhance its efficacy against resistant bacteria. This medication is widely used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, particularly in hospital settings. Overview of Piperacillin/Tazobactam Generic Name: Piperacillin/Tazobactam Brand Name: Zosyn, Tazocin, generics Drug Group: Penicillin antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor (antibacterial) Commonly Used For Treat complicated intra-abdominal infections. Manage nosocomial pneumonia. Control severe bacterial sepsis. Key Characteristics Form: Powder for injection (2.25 g, 3.375 g, 4.5 g per…
Comprehensive Guide to Piracetam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Piracetam? Piracetam is a nootropic compound in the racetam family, believed to enhance cognitive function by improving cerebral blood flow and neuroplasticity. This medication is widely studied for its potential in treating cognitive disorders, though its use varies by region and is often considered off-label in some countries. Overview of Piracetam Generic Name: Piracetam Brand Name: Nootropil, generics Drug Group: Nootropic (cognitive enhancer) Commonly Used For Improve memory and cognitive function. Manage myoclonus and other neurological conditions. Support recovery from brain injury. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (800…
Comprehensive Guide to Pioglitazone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Pioglitazone? Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione (TZD) that improves insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This medication helps control blood glucose levels and is often combined with diet, exercise, or other antidiabetic agents. Overview of Pioglitazone Generic Name: Pioglitazone Brand Name: Actos, generics Drug Group: Thiazolidinedione (antidiabetic) Commonly Used For Manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improve insulin resistance. Reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg) (detailed in Dosage section).…
Comprehensive Guide to Phenytoin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Phenytoin? Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication that stabilizes neuronal membranes by modulating sodium channels, primarily used to control seizures. This drug is a cornerstone in managing epilepsy and other seizure disorders, offering both acute and chronic therapeutic benefits. Overview of Phenytoin Generic Name: Phenytoin Brand Name: Dilantin, Phenytek, generics Drug Group: Anticonvulsant (hydantoin) Commonly Used For Control tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. Manage partial seizures. Prevent seizures during neurosurgery. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (30 mg, 100 mg), chewable tablets (50 mg), oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL), and injectable…
Comprehensive Guide to Phenobarbital: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Phenobarbital? Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate that acts as a central nervous system depressant, enhancing GABA activity to reduce seizure activity and induce sedation. This medication has been a cornerstone in epilepsy management and sedation since the early 20th century, administered under medical supervision. Overview of Phenobarbital Generic Name: Phenobarbital Brand Name: Luminal, generics Drug Group: Barbiturate (anticonvulsant, sedative-hypnotic) Commonly Used For Treat various types of seizures. Manage status epilepticus. Provide sedation or preoperative anxiolysis. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Phenazopyridine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Phenazopyridine? Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that exerts a local anesthetic effect on the urinary tract mucosa, alleviating pain, burning, and urgency associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urologic conditions. This medication provides symptomatic relief but does not treat the underlying infection, requiring adjunctive antibiotic therapy. Overview of Phenazopyridine Generic Name: Phenazopyridine Brand Name: AZO Standard, Pyridium, generics Drug Group: Urinary analgesic (non-antibiotic) Commonly Used For Relieve UTI-related pain and discomfort. Alleviate bladder irritation. Manage urethral burning and urgency. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (95 mg,…