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 Darifenacin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Darifenacin? Darifenacin is an antimuscarinic agent that reduces bladder muscle contractions by blocking muscarinic receptors, primarily the M3 subtype. This medication is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, such as urge incontinence and urinary frequency, improving quality of life for affected patients. Overview of Darifenacin Generic Name: Darifenacin Brand Name: Enablex, generics Drug Group: Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) Commonly Used For Treat overactive bladder (OAB). Reduce urinary incontinence. Manage urinary urgency and frequency. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release tablets (7.5 mg, 15 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Selective M3…
Comprehensive Guide to Darunavir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Darunavir? Darunavir is a protease inhibitor used in antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV-1 infection by blocking the virus’s protease enzyme, preventing viral replication. This medication is a cornerstone in managing HIV, often combined with other drugs like ritonavir or cobicistat to enhance efficacy. Overview of Darunavir Generic Name: Darunavir Brand Name: Prezista, generics Drug Group: Protease inhibitor (antiretroviral) Commonly Used For Treat HIV-1 infection. Prevent viral replication in HIV patients. Manage antiretroviral therapy regimens. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (75 mg, 150 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 800…
Comprehensive Guide to Dexamethasone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Dexamethasone? Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune response by mimicking cortisol. This medication is widely used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers, offering anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive benefits. Overview of Dexamethasone Generic Name: Dexamethasone Brand Name: Decadron, DexPak, generics Drug Group: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) Commonly Used For Reduce inflammation and swelling. Manage allergic reactions. Treat autoimmune conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 6…
Comprehensive Guide to Dexlansoprazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Dexlansoprazole? Dexlansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production by inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells. This medication is used to treat acid-related disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis, providing sustained relief from symptoms. Overview of Dexlansoprazole Generic Name: Dexlansoprazole Brand Name: Dexilant, generics Drug Group: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Commonly Used For Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heal erosive esophagitis. Manage heartburn symptoms. Key Characteristics Form: Delayed-release capsules (30 mg, 60 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism:…
Comprehensive Guide to Dexmethylphenidate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Dexmethylphenidate? Dexmethylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, enhancing focus and reducing impulsivity. This medication is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults, offering a targeted approach to managing attention and behavioral symptoms. Overview of Dexmethylphenidate Generic Name: Dexmethylphenidate Brand Name: Focalin, Focalin XR, generics Drug Group: Central nervous system stimulant Commonly Used For Treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Improve focus and attention. Manage hyperactivity in specific cases. Key Characteristics Form: Immediate-release…
Comprehensive Guide to Dextroamphetamine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Dextroamphetamine? Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving focus and reducing impulsivity. This medication is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, offering therapeutic benefits for cognitive and sleep-related disorders. Overview of Dextroamphetamine Generic Name: Dextroamphetamine Brand Name: Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi, generics Drug Group: Central nervous system stimulant Commonly Used For Treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Manage narcolepsy symptoms. Enhance focus in specific cases. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Dextromethorphan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Dextromethorphan? Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts on the central nervous system, reducing the cough reflex by affecting the brain’s cough center. This medication is commonly used to relieve dry, non-productive coughs associated with colds or respiratory irritations. Overview of Dextromethorphan Generic Name: Dextromethorphan Brand Name: Robitussin DM, Delsym, generics Drug Group: Cough suppressant (antitussive) Commonly Used For Suppress dry cough. Relieve cold-related cough symptoms. Manage temporary respiratory irritation. Key Characteristics Form: Oral syrup (10 mg/5 mL, 15 mg/5 mL), extended-release suspension (30 mg/5 mL), lozenges (5…
Comprehensive Guide to Diazepam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Diazepam? Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, producing a calming effect. This medication is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and insomnia, offering rapid relief for acute and chronic conditions. Overview of Diazepam Generic Name: Diazepam Brand Name: Valium, Diastat, generics Drug Group: Benzodiazepine Commonly Used For Manage anxiety disorders. Control muscle spasms. Treat acute seizures. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg), rectal gel (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20…
Comprehensive Guide to Diclofenac: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Diclofenac? Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. This medication is widely used for conditions involving musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and acute injuries, offering both systemic and topical relief. Overview of Diclofenac Generic Name: Diclofenac Brand Name: Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, generics Drug Group: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Commonly Used For Relieve arthritis pain. Manage acute injuries. Reduce postoperative pain. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg), extended-release tablets (100 mg), topical gel (1%),…
Comprehensive Guide to Didanosine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Didanosine? Didanosine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV-1 infection. This medication inhibits viral replication, helping to manage HIV progression and improve immune function. Overview of Didanosine Generic Name: Didanosine Brand Name: Videx Drug Group: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) Commonly Used For Treat HIV-1 infection. Manage antiretroviral therapy (ART). Prevent viral replication in AIDS. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg), delayed-release capsules (125 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg), or powder…