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 Ipratropium Bromide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ipratropium Bromide? Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that inhibits muscarinic receptors in the airways, reducing bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion. This medication is administered via inhalation (nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler), used under medical supervision to manage respiratory conditions. Overview of Ipratropium Bromide Generic Name: Ipratropium bromide Brand Name: Atrovent, Combivent (with albuterol), generics Drug Group: Anticholinergic (bronchodilator) Commonly Used For Treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Manage acute asthma exacerbations. Relieve rhinorrhea in allergic rhinitis. Key Characteristics Form: Inhalation solution (0.02%, 0.06%), metered-dose inhaler (17 mcg per…
Comprehensive Guide to Interferon alfa-2b: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Interferon alfa-2b? Interferon alfa-2b is a recombinant type I interferon used to enhance the immune response against viral infections, certain cancers, and other immune-mediated conditions by inducing cytokine production and inhibiting viral replication. This medication is administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, used under medical supervision for specific therapeutic indications. Overview of Interferon alfa-2b Generic Name: Interferon alfa-2b Brand Name: Intron A, generics Drug Group: Immunomodulator (interferon, antiviral, antineoplastic) Commonly Used For Treat chronic hepatitis C. Manage hairy cell leukemia. Combat malignant melanoma. Key Characteristics Form: Vials…
Comprehensive Guide to Interferon beta-1a: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Interferon beta-1a? Interferon beta-1a is a recombinant immunomodulatory protein that mimics the body’s natural interferon beta, reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response in multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication is administered via intramuscular injection or subcutaneous injection, used under medical supervision to manage autoimmune and viral conditions. Overview of Interferon beta-1a Generic Name: Interferon beta-1a Brand Name: Avonex, Rebif, generics Drug Group: Immunomodulator (interferon, disease-modifying therapy) Commonly Used For Treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Manage chronic viral hepatitis (off-label). Reduce disease progression in MS. Key…
Comprehensive Guide to Isotretinoin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Isotretinoin? Isotretinoin is a retinoid derived from vitamin A that reduces sebum production and inflammation, effectively treating severe acne by targeting the sebaceous glands. This medication is administered orally, used under strict medical supervision due to its potent teratogenic and side effect profile. Overview of Isotretinoin Generic Name: Isotretinoin Brand Name: Accutane, Claravis, Absorica, generics Drug Group: Retinoid (anti-acne, anti-inflammatory) Commonly Used For Treat severe nodular acne. Manage recalcitrant acne unresponsive to other treatments. Prevent scarring from cystic acne. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (10 mg, 20 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Isosorbide Mononitrate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Isosorbide Mononitrate? Isosorbide mononitrate is a long-acting nitrate that dilates blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to prevent and treat angina pectoris. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to manage cardiovascular conditions. Overview of Isosorbide Mononitrate Generic Name: Isosorbide mononitrate Brand Name: Imdur, Monoket, generics Drug Group: Nitrate (vasodilator, anti-anginal) Commonly Used For Prevent angina pectoris. Manage chronic heart failure. Alleviate myocardial ischemia. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release tablets (30 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg), immediate-release tablets (10 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Isoniazid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Isoniazid? Isoniazid is a first-line antitubercular agent that inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acids, essential components of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall, effectively treating active and latent tuberculosis (TB). This medication is administered orally or via injection, used under medical supervision to combat TB infections. Overview of Isoniazid Generic Name: Isoniazid Brand Name: Nydrazid, generics Drug Group: Antitubercular (antibacterial) Commonly Used For Treat active tuberculosis (TB). Prevent latent TB infection (LTBI) progression. Manage TB meningitis. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (100 mg, 300 mg), syrup (50 mg/5 mL),…
Comprehensive Guide to Isavuconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Isavuconazole? Isavuconazole is a triazole antifungal agent that inhibits ergosterol synthesis by blocking the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, effective against a broad spectrum of invasive fungal infections. This medication is administered orally or intravenously, used under medical supervision to treat life-threatening mycoses. Overview of Isavuconazole Generic Name: Isavuconazole Brand Name: Cresemba, generics Drug Group: Triazole antifungal (antimycotic) Commonly Used For Treat invasive aspergillosis. Manage mucormycosis. Prevent fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (100 mg, 200 mg) or IV powder for solution (200 mg) (detailed in…
Comprehensive Guide to Itraconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Itraconazole? Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal agent that inhibits ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their growth and replication. This medication is administered orally or intravenously, used under medical supervision to treat a range of fungal infections. Overview of Itraconazole Generic Name: Itraconazole Brand Name: Sporanox, Onmel, generics Drug Group: Antifungal (triazole) Commonly Used For Treat aspergillosis. Manage candidiasis. Prevent fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (100 mg), oral solution (10 mg/mL), IV infusion (200 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits lanosterol…
Comprehensive Guide to Ivabradine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ivabradine? Ivabradine is a heart rate-lowering medication that selectively inhibits the If current in the sinoatrial node, reducing heart rate without affecting blood pressure or myocardial contractility. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to treat chronic heart failure and angina. Overview of Ivabradine Generic Name: Ivabradine Brand Name: Corlanor, Procoralan, generics Drug Group: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel blocker (heart rate reducer) Commonly Used For Manage chronic heart failure. Treat stable angina pectoris. Reduce heart rate in specific cardiac conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets…
Comprehensive Guide to Ivermectin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ivermectin? Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that targets the nervous systems of parasites by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. This medication is administered orally or topically, used under medical supervision to treat parasitic infections. Overview of Ivermectin Generic Name: Ivermectin Brand Name: Stromectol, Soolantra, generics Drug Group: Antiparasitic (avermectin) Commonly Used For Treat onchocerciasis (river blindness). Manage strongyloidiasis. Control scabies infestations. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (3 mg, 6 mg), topical cream (1%) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Enhances chloride ion…