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 Chloroquine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Chloroquine? Chloroquine is an antimalarial and autoimmune disease medication that inhibits parasite growth by interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis, used to treat malaria and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. This medication also has historical use in managing certain viral infections. Overview of Chloroquine Generic Name: Chloroquine Brand Name: Aralen Drug Group: Antimalarial / Immunosuppressant Commonly Used For Treat malaria. Manage rheumatoid arthritis. Control lupus erythematosus. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg), injectable solution (50 mg/mL) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits heme polymerase in Plasmodium…
Comprehensive Guide to Chlorpromazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Chlorpromazine? Chlorpromazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic medication that blocks dopamine D2 receptors, used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe behavioral issues. This medication also serves as an antiemetic and sedative in specific contexts. Overview of Chlorpromazine Generic Name: Chlorpromazine Brand Name: Thorazine Drug Group: First-generation antipsychotic Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat schizophrenia. Manage bipolar disorder. Control nausea and vomiting. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg), oral liquid (30 mg/mL), injectable solution (25 mg/mL)…
Comprehensive Guide to Canagliflozin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Canagliflozin? Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medication also offers cardiovascular and renal benefits in high-risk patients. Overview of Canagliflozin Generic Name: Canagliflozin Brand Name: Invokana Drug Group: SGLT2 inhibitor Commonly Used For Manage type 2 diabetes. Reduce cardiovascular risk. Protect kidney function. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (100 mg, 300 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal tubule, increasing urinary glucose excretion. Approval:…
Comprehensive Guide to Cimetidine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cimetidine? Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production by blocking histamine at H2 receptors, used to treat acid-related conditions like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This medication provides relief from heartburn and promotes healing of gastric mucosa. Overview of Cimetidine Generic Name: Cimetidine Brand Name: Tagamet Drug Group: H2 receptor antagonist Commonly Used For Treat peptic ulcers. Manage GERD. Relieve heartburn. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg), oral liquid (200 mg/5 mL), injectable solution (150 mg/mL) (detailed in…
Comprehensive Guide to Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)? Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. This medication is used to treat and prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency, supporting overall health in various conditions. Overview of Cyanocobalamin Generic Name: Cyanocobalamin Brand Name: Nascobal, Dodex Drug Group: Vitamin B12 supplement Commonly Used For Treat Vitamin B12 deficiency. Prevent pernicious anemia. Support neurological health. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (50 mcg, 100 mcg, 1000 mcg), sublingual tablets, nasal spray (500…
Comprehensive Guide to Cyclophosphamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Cyclophosphamide? Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent chemotherapy drug that cross-links DNA, used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases. This medication inhibits cancer cell proliferation and modulates immune responses, making it a versatile therapeutic option. Overview of Cyclophosphamide Generic Name: Cyclophosphamide Brand Name: Cytoxan, Neosar Drug Group: Alkylating agent Commonly Used For Treat lymphomas. Manage leukemias. Control autoimmune conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (25 mg, 50 mg), injectable powder for reconstitution (500 mg, 1 g, 2 g vials) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Cross-links DNA strands, preventing…
Comprehensive Guide to Crizotinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Crizotinib? Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets ALK, ROS1, and MET, used to treat specific types of advanced cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This medication inhibits abnormal kinase activity, offering a targeted therapy for patients with specific genetic mutations. Overview of Crizotinib Generic Name: Crizotinib Brand Name: Xalkori Drug Group: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Commonly Used For Treat ALK-positive NSCLC. Manage ROS1-positive NSCLC. Control metastatic lung cancer. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (200 mg, 250 mg) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Inhibits ALK, ROS1,…
Comprehensive Guide to Ciprofloxacin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Ciprofloxacin? Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections. By inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, this drug prevents bacterial DNA replication, effectively killing susceptible bacteria. Marketed under brand names like Cipro and Cipro XR, the medication is available in oral, intravenous, and topical forms and is valued for its efficacy against Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. The antibiotic’s benefits include rapid action and broad coverage, but it carries significant risks of…
Comprehensive Guide to Caffeine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Caffeine? Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found naturally in coffee, tea, and cocoa, and synthesized for medical use. This medication enhances alertness, reduces fatigue, and is employed therapeutically for conditions like apnea of prematurity and as an adjunct in pain management, acting by blocking adenosine receptors. Overview of Caffeine Generic Name: Caffeine Brand Name: NoDoz, Vivarin, Cafcit, generics Drug Group: Stimulant/Methylxanthine Commonly Used For Treat apnea of prematurity in neonates. Enhance alertness and reduce fatigue in adults. Manage certain types of headaches as an adjunct. Key…
Comprehensive Guide to Calcium Carbonate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Calcium Carbonate? Calcium Carbonate is a calcium supplement and antacid that provides elemental calcium to support bone health and neutralize stomach acid. This medication is widely used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency, manage osteoporosis, and relieve heartburn or indigestion by raising gastric pH and aiding mineral homeostasis. Overview of Calcium Carbonate Generic Name: Calcium Carbonate Brand Name: Tums, Caltrate, Os-Cal, generics Drug Group: Calcium Supplement/Antacid Commonly Used For Treat calcium deficiency. Manage osteoporosis and bone health. Relieve heartburn and indigestion. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (500…