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 Belimumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Belimumab? Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-cell activating factor (BAFF), used to treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This medication reduces autoantibody production by targeting B-lymphocyte stimulator, helping to manage disease activity and prevent flares. Overview of Belimumab Generic Name: Belimumab Brand Name: Benlysta Drug Group: Monoclonal antibody (BLyS-specific inhibitor) Commonly Used For Treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Manage lupus nephritis. Reduce disease flares in lupus patients. Key Characteristics Form: Intravenous (IV) infusion (120 mg, 400 mg vials) and subcutaneous (SC) injection (200…
Comprehensive Guide to Baloxavir Marboxil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Baloxavir Marboxil? Baloxavir Marboxil is an antiviral medication that inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease of influenza viruses, used to treat and prevent influenza A and B infections. This medication reduces viral replication by targeting a critical step in viral RNA transcription, offering a single-dose treatment option. Overview of Baloxavir Marboxil Generic Name: Baloxavir Marboxil Brand Name: Xofluza Drug Group: Antiviral (Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor) Commonly Used For Treat acute uncomplicated influenza. Prevent influenza in high-risk individuals. Reduce viral shedding in early infection. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (20 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Bacitracin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bacitracin? Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, primarily used topically to prevent and treat minor skin infections. This medication targets Gram-positive bacteria by blocking the dephosphorylation of lipid carriers, making it effective against superficial wounds and burns. Overview of Bacitracin Generic Name: Bacitracin Brand Name: Bacitracin (OTC), generics Drug Group: Polypeptide antibiotic Commonly Used For Prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes. Treat superficial skin infections. Manage minor burns. Key Characteristics Form: Topical ointment (500 units/g), ophthalmic ointment (500 units/g), sometimes combined with…
Comprehensive Guide to Budesonide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Budesonide? Budesonide is a corticosteroid medication used to manage inflammatory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and allergic rhinitis. By reducing inflammation, swelling, and irritation in affected tissues, this drug alleviates symptoms like wheezing, abdominal pain, or nasal congestion. Marketed under brand names like Pulmicort, Entocort EC, Uceris, and Rhinocort, the medication is available in various forms, including inhalers, oral capsules, rectal foam, and nasal sprays. The corticosteroid’s benefits include targeted anti-inflammatory effects with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral…
Comprehensive Guide to Benadryl: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Benadryl? Benadryl is an antihistamine medication used to relieve allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and mild insomnia. This drug, containing diphenhydramine as its active ingredient, blocks histamine receptors to reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Marketed under the brand name Benadryl and as generics, it is available as tablets, capsules, liquid, or topical cream. Benadryl’s benefits include fast-acting relief, but it requires monitoring for side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth. Overview of Benadryl Generic Name: Diphenhydramine (active ingredient in Benadryl) Brand Name: Benadryl, generics Drug Group: First-generation antihistamine…
Comprehensive Guide to Bupropion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bupropion? Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to aid smoking cessation. This drug inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, boosting mood and reducing nicotine cravings. Marketed under brand names like Wellbutrin, Zyban, and as generics, it is available as tablets or extended-release formulations. Bupropion’s benefits include its unique mechanism with lower sexual side effects, but it requires monitoring for side effects like insomnia or agitation. Overview of Bupropion Generic Name: Bupropion Brand Name: Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin, generics Drug…
Comprehensive Guide to Bisoprolol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bisoprolol? Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used to manage hypertension, heart failure, and angina pectoris. This drug reduces heart rate and blood pressure by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Marketed under brand names like Zebeta and Concor, and as generics, it is available as tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg). Bisoprolol’s benefits include improved cardiac function in heart failure, but it requires monitoring for side effects like fatigue or hypotension. Overview of Bisoprolol Generic Name: Bisoprolol Brand Name: Zebeta, Concor, generics Drug Group: Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker Commonly Used For Treat…
Comprehensive Guide to Baclofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Baclofen? Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic medication used to treat spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or cerebral palsy. This drug acts on the central nervous system to inhibit nerve signals that cause muscle stiffness. Marketed under brand names like Lioresal and as generics, it is available as oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg) or intrathecal injection. Baclofen’s benefits include improved mobility, but it requires monitoring for side effects like drowsiness or weakness. Overview of Baclofen Generic Name: Baclofen Brand Name: Lioresal, generics Drug…
Comprehensive Guide to Buspirone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Buspirone? Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This medication acts on serotonin and dopamine receptors, providing relief from anxiety without significant sedation. Available as tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg), Buspirone is typically prescribed. Its benefits include non-addictive anxiety management, but it requires consistent use and monitoring for side effects like dizziness or nausea. Overview of Buspirone Generic Name: Buspirone Brand Name: Buspar (discontinued brand), generics Drug Group: Anxiolytic (non-benzodiazepine) Commonly Used For Manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Treat anxiety…
Comprehensive Guide to Brimonidine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Brimonidine? Brimonidine is a prescription medication primarily used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and works by decreasing the production of aqueous humor and increasing its outflow, thereby reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). In addition to its ophthalmic use, brimonidine is also available in topical form for treating facial erythema (redness) associated with rosacea. Overview of Brimonidine Generic Name: Brimonidine Brand Name: Alphagan, generics (e.g., Brimonidine Tartrate) Drug Group: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (ophthalmic) Commonly Used For Reduce…