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 Fluorouracil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fluorouracil? Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis by interfering with thymidylate synthase, used to treat various cancers and actinic keratosis. This medication is administered via intravenous infusion, topical application, or intra-arterial routes, used under medical supervision in oncology and dermatology settings. Overview of Fluorouracil Generic Name: Fluorouracil Brand Name: Adrucil, Efudex, Carac, generics Drug Group: Antimetabolite (chemotherapeutic, antineoplastic) Commonly Used For Treat colorectal cancer. Manage basal cell carcinoma. Address actinic keratosis. Key Characteristics Form: IV solution (50 mg/mL), topical cream (0.5%, 5%),…
Comprehensive Guide to Fluocinolone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fluocinolone? Fluocinolone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, itching, and redness by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. This medication is administered topically (cream, ointment, oil), via intravitreal implant, or as ear drops, used under medical supervision to treat dermatologic, ocular, and otic inflammatory conditions. Overview of Fluocinolone Generic Name: Fluocinolone Brand Name: Synalar, Iluvien, Fluonid, generics Drug Group: Corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) Commonly Used For Treat eczema and psoriasis. Manage chronic non-infectious uveitis. Relieve ear inflammation. Key Characteristics Form: Topical cream/ointment (0.01%, 0.025%), intravitreal implant (0.19 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Fesoterodine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fesoterodine? Fesoterodine is an antimuscarinic agent that reduces bladder muscle contractions by blocking muscarinic receptors, helping to manage overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to improve urinary control. Overview of Fesoterodine Generic Name: Fesoterodine Brand Name: Toviaz, generics Drug Group: Antimuscarinic (urinary antispasmodic) Commonly Used For Treat overactive bladder (OAB) with urgency. Reduce urinary incontinence. Decrease frequency of urination. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release tablets (4 mg, 8 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors in the…
Comprehensive Guide to Felodipine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Felodipine? Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision to manage hypertension and angina. Overview of Felodipine Generic Name: Felodipine Brand Name: Plendil, generics Drug Group: Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive, antianginal) Commonly Used For Treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Manage stable angina pectoris. Reduce cardiovascular risk in specific populations. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg) (detailed in Dosage…
Comprehensive Guide to Fondaparinux: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fondaparinux? Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide anticoagulant that selectively inhibits Factor Xa, preventing thrombin formation and blood clot development. This medication is administered via subcutaneous injection, used under medical supervision to treat and prevent thromboembolic disorders. Overview of Fondaparinux Generic Name: Fondaparinux Brand Name: Arixtra, generics Drug Group: Anticoagulant (Factor Xa inhibitor) Commonly Used For Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery. Treat pulmonary embolism (PE). Manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Key Characteristics Form: Prefilled syringes for subcutaneous injection (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Fentanyl: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic that binds to mu-opioid receptors, providing rapid and intense pain relief. This medication is administered via transdermal patches, lozenges, injections, or nasal sprays, used under strict medical supervision for severe pain management and anesthesia. Overview of Fentanyl Generic Name: Fentanyl Brand Name: Duragesic, Sublimaze, Actiq, generics Drug Group: Opioid analgesic (anesthetic, pain management) Commonly Used For Manage chronic severe pain. Provide anesthesia during surgery. Treat breakthrough cancer pain. Key Characteristics Form: Transdermal patches (12, 25, 50, 75, 100 mcg/hour), injection…
Comprehensive Guide to Flurbiprofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Flurbiprofen? Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal 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, topically, or as ophthalmic drops, used under medical supervision for various inflammatory conditions. Overview of Flurbiprofen Generic Name: Flurbiprofen Brand Name: Ansaid, Ocufen, generics Drug Group: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, analgesic, anti-inflammatory) Commonly Used For Relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain. Manage postoperative eye inflammation. Alleviate mild to moderate pain. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (50 mg, 100 mg), topical…
Comprehensive Guide to Fluvoxamine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fluvoxamine? Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, helping to regulate mood and reduce obsessive-compulsive behaviors. This medication is administered orally, used under medical supervision for psychiatric conditions. Overview of Fluvoxamine Generic Name: Fluvoxamine Brand Name: Luvox, generics Drug Group: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (antidepressant, anti-obsessional) Commonly Used For Treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Manage major depressive disorder (MDD). Alleviate social anxiety disorder (SAD). Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) or extended-release capsules (100 mg, 150…
Comprehensive Guide to Fluphenazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fluphenazine? Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic medication that blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, helping to manage symptoms of psychosis, schizophrenia, and related disorders. This medication is administered orally or via intramuscular injection, used under medical supervision for psychiatric conditions. Overview of Fluphenazine Generic Name: Fluphenazine Brand Name: Prolixin, generics Drug Group: Typical antipsychotic (dopamine antagonist) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat schizophrenia. Manage psychotic disorders. Control severe behavioral issues. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg), oral…
Comprehensive Guide to Fluconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Fluconazole? Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal that inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, disrupting ergosterol synthesis essential for fungal cell membranes. This medication is administered orally or intravenously, used under medical supervision to treat and prevent fungal infections. Overview of Fluconazole Generic Name: Fluconazole Brand Name: Diflucan, generics Drug Group: Triazole antifungal (antimycotic) Commonly Used For Treat candidiasis. Manage cryptococcal meningitis. Prevent fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg), oral suspension (10 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL), or IV injection…