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 Ixekizumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ixekizumab? Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), inhibiting its pro-inflammatory effects to manage autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and arthritis. This medication is administered via subcutaneous injection, used under medical supervision to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. Overview of Ixekizumab Generic Name: Ixekizumab Brand Name: Taltz, generics Drug Group: Monoclonal antibody (IL-17A inhibitor, immunosuppressant) Commonly Used For Treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Manage psoriatic arthritis. Alleviate ankylosing spondylitis. Key Characteristics Form: Prefilled syringes or autoinjectors for subcutaneous injection (80 mg/mL) (detailed in Dosage section).…
Comprehensive Guide to Ibrutinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ibrutinib? Ibrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that blocks B-cell receptor signaling, used to treat certain blood cancers and autoimmune conditions. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to manage malignancies and related disorders. Overview of Ibrutinib Generic Name: Ibrutinib Brand Name: Imbruvica, generics Drug Group: Kinase inhibitor (antineoplastic, immunomodulatory) Commonly Used For Treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Manage mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Address Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules or tablets (140 mg, 280 mg, 420 mg, 560 mg) (detailed in…
Comprehensive Guide to Ibuprofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation, pain, and fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, thereby decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. This medication is administered orally or topically, used under medical supervision for a variety of conditions. Overview of Ibuprofen Generic Name: Ibuprofen Brand Name: Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, generics Drug Group: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Commonly Used For Relieve mild to moderate pain. Reduce inflammation in arthritis. Lower fever in adults and children. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Haloperidol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Haloperidol? Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic medication that blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, used to manage schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and severe behavioral disorders. This medication is administered orally, via intramuscular injection, or intravenously, under medical supervision to treat psychiatric and neurological conditions. Overview of Haloperidol Generic Name: Haloperidol Brand Name: Haldol, generics Drug Group: Typical antipsychotic (dopamine antagonist) Commonly Used For Treat schizophrenia and psychosis. Manage agitation in dementia. Control severe tics in Tourette syndrome. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Heparin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Heparin? Heparin is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan anticoagulant that enhances the activity of antithrombin, inhibiting thrombin and Factor Xa to prevent and treat blood clots. This medication is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection, used under medical supervision in various clinical settings. Overview of Heparin Generic Name: Heparin Brand Name: Heparin Sodium, various generics Drug Group: Anticoagulant (indirect thrombin inhibitor) Commonly Used For Prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Manage pulmonary embolism (PE). Support anticoagulation during dialysis or surgery. Key Characteristics Form: IV solution (1,000–20,000…
Comprehensive Guide to Hydroxyzine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Hydroxyzine? Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with sedative and anxiolytic properties, acting as an H1 receptor antagonist and inhibiting histamine and serotonin activity in the central nervous system. This medication is administered orally or via intramuscular injection, used under medical supervision to manage anxiety, allergies, and sleep disorders. Overview of Hydroxyzine Generic Name: Hydroxyzine Brand Name: Atarax, Vistaril, generics Drug Group: Antihistamine (anxiolytic, sedative) Commonly Used For Treat anxiety and tension. Relieve allergic symptoms. Aid in short-term insomnia. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Hydroxychloroquine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Hydroxychloroquine? Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug with immunomodulatory properties, used to treat autoimmune diseases and malaria by interfering with parasite growth and immune responses. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision for various inflammatory and infectious conditions. Overview of Hydroxychloroquine Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine Brand Name: Plaquenil, generics Drug Group: Antimalarial, immunomodulatory (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, DMARD) Commonly Used For Treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Manage systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prevent and treat malaria. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (200 mg, 400 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits…
Comprehensive Guide to Hydrocortisone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Hydrocortisone? Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid corticosteroid that mimics cortisol, reducing inflammation, suppressing the immune response, and managing adrenal insufficiency. This medication is administered orally, topically, or via injection, used under medical supervision for various inflammatory and hormonal conditions. Overview of Hydrocortisone Generic Name: Hydrocortisone Brand Name: Cortef, Hydrocortisone Cream, Solu-Cortef, generics Drug Group: Glucocorticoid corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive) Commonly Used For Treat adrenal insufficiency. Manage allergic reactions. Relieve skin inflammation. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg), topical cream/ointment (0.5%, 1%, 2.5%), injectable suspension (100…
Comprehensive Guide to Hydrocodone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system to relieve moderate to severe pain by binding to mu-opioid receptors. This medication is administered orally, often in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and is used under strict medical supervision due to its potential for dependence. Overview of Hydrocodone Generic Name: Hydrocodone Brand Name: Vicodin, Norco, Zohydro ER, generics Drug Group: Opioid analgesic (narcotic) Commonly Used For Manage acute pain. Treat chronic pain. Suppress severe cough. Key Characteristics Form: Immediate-release tablets (5 mg, 7.5…
Comprehensive Guide to Hydrochlorothiazide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Hydrochlorothiazide? Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to manage hypertension and edema associated with various conditions. Overview of Hydrochlorothiazide Generic Name: Hydrochlorothiazide Brand Name: Microzide, Esidrix, generics Drug Group: Thiazide diuretic (antihypertensive, diuretic) Commonly Used For Treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Manage edema from heart failure. Reduce swelling in kidney disorders. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (12.5 mg, 25…