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 Cetirizine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cetirizine? Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. This medication is widely used for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, offering effective symptom control with minimal sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines. Overview of Cetirizine Generic Name: Cetirizine Brand Name: Zyrtec Drug Group: Antihistamine (second-generation) Commonly Used For Relieve allergy symptoms. Manage chronic urticaria. Treat itching from hives. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (5 mg, 10 mg), oral syrup (1 mg/mL), chewable tablets (5 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Celecoxib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Celecoxib? Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. This medication is commonly used to manage arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, offering relief with a lower risk of gastrointestinal ulcers compared to traditional NSAIDs. Overview of Celecoxib Generic Name: Celecoxib Brand Name: Celebrex Drug Group: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, COX-2 inhibitor) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Relieve arthritis pain. Reduce menstrual cramps. Manage acute pain. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (50 mg, 100 mg, 200…
Comprehensive Guide to Cefuroxime: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cefuroxime? Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. This medication is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making it a versatile option for managing respiratory, urinary, and skin infections. Overview of Cefuroxime Generic Name: Cefuroxime Brand Name: Ceftin, Zinacef Drug Group: Cephalosporin antibiotic (second-generation) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat bacterial respiratory infections. Manage urinary tract infections. Address skin and soft tissue infections. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (250 mg, 500…
Comprehensive Guide to Citalopram: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Citalopram? Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health conditions. This medication works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels in patients experiencing depression or anxiety-related disorders. Overview of Citalopram Generic Name: Citalopram Brand Name: Celexa Drug Group: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Commonly Used For Treat major depressive disorder. Manage generalized anxiety disorder. Alleviate panic disorder symptoms. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Cyclosporine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cyclosporine? Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that inhibits T-cell activation by blocking calcineurin, commonly used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and treat autoimmune diseases. This medication works by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent the body from attacking transplanted organs or its own tissues, making it a cornerstone therapy in transplantation and certain inflammatory conditions. Overview of Cyclosporine Generic Name: Cyclosporine Brand Name: Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf Drug Group: Immunosuppressant (calcineurin inhibitor) Commonly Used For Prevent organ transplant rejection. Treat autoimmune diseases. Manage severe…
Comprehensive Guide to Cyclobenzaprine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cyclobenzaprine? Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant commonly prescribed for the short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Marketed under brand names such as Flexeril, this medication works by suppressing nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord, rather than directly relaxing skeletal muscles. It is typically used alongside rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to improve mobility and reduce discomfort over a period of up to two to three weeks. Overview of Cyclobenzaprine Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine Brand Name: Flexeril, Amrix Drug Group:…
Comprehensive Guide to Colchicine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Colchicine? Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits microtubule polymerization, used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). This medication is known for its efficacy in managing acute inflammatory conditions. Overview of Colchicine Generic Name: Colchicine Brand Name: Colcrys, Mitigare Drug Group: Anti-inflammatory (alkaloid) Commonly Used For Treat gout attacks. Prevent gout flares. Manage familial Mediterranean fever. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (0.6 mg), capsules (0.6 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits neutrophil migration and microtubule formation, reducing inflammation. Approval: FDA-approved (2009) and EMA-approved for gout…
Comprehensive Guide to Codeine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Codeine? Codeine is an opioid analgesic that acts on mu-opioid receptors to relieve mild to moderate pain and suppress cough. This medication is often combined with other drugs (e.g., acetaminophen) and is used with caution due to its potential for dependence. Overview of Codeine Generic Name: Codeine Brand Name: Tylenol with Codeine, Codeine Contin Drug Group: Opioid analgesic Commonly Used For Relieve mild to moderate pain. Suppress cough. Manage postoperative pain. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg), oral solution (5 mg/5 mL, 10…
Comprehensive Guide to Clopidogrel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Clopidogrel? Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits ADP-mediated platelet aggregation, used to prevent atherothrombotic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This medication is commonly prescribed for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Overview of Clopidogrel Generic Name: Clopidogrel Brand Name: Plavix Drug Group: Antiplatelet agent (thienopyridine class) Commonly Used For Prevent heart attacks. Reduce stroke risk. Manage peripheral artery disease. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (75 mg, 300 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Blocks P2Y12 receptor, preventing platelet activation. Approval: FDA-approved (1997) and EMA-approved for atherothrombosis prevention.…
Comprehensive Guide to Clonidine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Clonidine? Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow, used to treat hypertension and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication is available in oral, transdermal, and injectable forms. Overview of Clonidine Generic Name: Clonidine Brand Name: Catapres, Kapvay Drug Group: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist Commonly Used For Treat hypertension. Manage ADHD. Control opioid withdrawal symptoms. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg), transdermal patch (0.1 mg/24h, 0.2 mg/24h), injectable solution (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Decreases norepinephrine release, lowering blood…