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 Oxaliplatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Oxaliplatin? Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based antineoplastic agent that forms DNA cross-links, inhibiting replication and transcription, primarily used in chemotherapy for colorectal cancer and other malignancies. This medication is a cornerstone in combination regimens, administered under specialized supervision. Overview of Oxaliplatin Generic Name: Oxaliplatin Brand Name: Eloxatin, generics Drug Group: Platinum-based alkylating agent (antineoplastic) Commonly Used For Treat colorectal cancer. Manage advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Control metastatic disease. Key Characteristics Form: Lyophilized powder or solution for injection (50 mg, 100 mg/vial) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Forms inter- and intra-strand…
Comprehensive Guide to Ospemifene: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ospemifene? Ospemifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that acts as an estrogen agonist in vaginal tissue and an antagonist in breast and uterine tissue. This medication is primarily used to treat dyspareunia due to menopause-related vaginal atrophy, offering a non-hormonal alternative for postmenopausal women. Overview of Ospemifene Generic Name: Ospemifene Brand Name: Osphena, generics Drug Group: Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) Commonly Used For Treat moderate to severe dyspareunia. Manage vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Improve vaginal health post-menopause. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (60 mg)…
Comprehensive Guide to Osimertinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Osimertinib? Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets EGFR mutations, particularly T790M, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This medication is a cornerstone in precision oncology, offering targeted therapy for patients with specific genetic profiles. Overview of Osimertinib Generic Name: Osimertinib Brand Name: Tagrisso, generics Drug Group: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (antineoplastic) Commonly Used For Treat EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Manage metastatic lung cancer. Improve progression-free survival in targeted therapy. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (40 mg, 80…
Comprehensive Guide to Oseltamivir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Oseltamivir? Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that prevents the release of influenza virus particles from infected cells, reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms. This medication is a cornerstone in managing influenza A and B infections, widely used for both treatment and prophylaxis. Overview of Oseltamivir Generic Name: Oseltamivir Brand Name: Tamiflu, generics Drug Group: Neuraminidase inhibitor (antiviral) Commonly Used For Treat influenza A and B infections. Prevent influenza in high-risk individuals. Reduce flu-related complications. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (30 mg, 45 mg, 75 mg) and…
Comprehensive Guide to Orlistat: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Orlistat? Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract, used primarily for weight management in obesity. This medication aids in weight loss and maintenance when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, offering a non-systemic approach to obesity treatment. Overview of Orlistat Generic Name: Orlistat Brand Name: Xenical, Alli (over-the-counter), generics Drug Group: Lipase inhibitor (anti-obesity agent) Commonly Used For Promote weight loss in obesity. Maintain weight after initial loss. Manage obesity-related comorbidities. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (120 mg for Xenical,…
Comprehensive Guide to Ondansetron: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ondansetron? Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that prevents nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. This medication is widely used to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea, postoperative vomiting, and other emetic conditions, offering significant relief to patients. Overview of Ondansetron Generic Name: Ondansetron Brand Name: Zofran, generics Drug Group: 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (antiemetic) Commonly Used For Prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Manage postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Treat radiation-induced nausea. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (4 mg, 8 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Omeprazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Omeprazole? Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid production by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in parietal cells. This medication is widely used to treat acid-related disorders, offering relief from symptoms and promoting healing of the gastrointestinal tract. Overview of Omeprazole Generic Name: Omeprazole Brand Name: Prilosec, Losec, generics Drug Group: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI, anti-ulcer) Commonly Used For Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heal gastric and duodenal ulcers. Manage heartburn and acid reflux. Key Characteristics Form: Delayed-release capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 40…
Comprehensive Guide to Omalizumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Omalizumab? Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE), reducing allergic responses by inhibiting IgE binding to mast cells and basophils. This medication is primarily used to treat moderate to severe allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria, administered under medical supervision. Overview of Omalizumab Generic Name: Omalizumab Brand Name: Xolair Drug Group: Monoclonal antibody (anti-IgE therapy) Commonly Used For Treat allergic asthma. Manage chronic idiopathic urticaria. Control severe allergic responses. Key Characteristics Form: Subcutaneous injection (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/vial) (detailed in Dosage…
Comprehensive Guide to Olmesartan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Olmesartan? Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that inhibits the action of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This medication is widely used to manage hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions, offering renal and cardiac protection under medical supervision. Overview of Olmesartan Generic Name: Olmesartan Brand Name: Benicar, generics (e.g., Olmesartan Medoxomil) Drug Group: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB, antihypertensive) Commonly Used For Treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Reduce cardiovascular risk. Manage chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5…
Comprehensive Guide to Olaparib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Olaparib? Olaparib is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that prevents DNA repair in cancer cells with BRCA1/2 mutations, used in targeted therapy for specific cancers. This medication is a breakthrough in precision oncology, administered under specialized supervision. Overview of Olaparib Generic Name: Olaparib Brand Name: Lynparza, generics Drug Group: PARP inhibitor (antineoplastic) Commonly Used For Treat ovarian cancer. Manage breast cancer. Control prostate cancer. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (100 mg, 150 mg) or capsules (50 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits PARP enzymes, inducing synthetic…