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 Bortezomib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bortezomib? Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that disrupts protein degradation in cancer cells, used primarily to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. This medication induces apoptosis in malignant cells by inhibiting the 26S proteasome, offering a targeted therapy for hematologic malignancies. Overview of Bortezomib Generic Name: Bortezomib Brand Name: Velcade, generics Drug Group: Proteasome inhibitor Commonly Used For Treat multiple myeloma. Manage mantle cell lymphoma. Improve progression-free survival in blood cancers. Key Characteristics Form: Intravenous (IV) injection (3.5 mg vial), subcutaneous (SC) injection (3.5 mg vial) (detailed in Dosage section).…
Comprehensive Guide to Bismuth Subsalicylate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bismuth Subsalicylate? Bismuth Subsalicylate is an antacid and antidiarrheal agent that combines bismuth and salicylate to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms. This medication reduces inflammation, inhibits bacterial growth (e.g., Helicobacter pylori), and protects the stomach lining, making it effective for diarrhea, indigestion, and ulcers. Overview of Bismuth Subsalicylate Generic Name: Bismuth Subsalicylate Brand Name: Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, generics Drug Group: Antacid/Antidiarrheal Commonly Used For Treat diarrhea and upset stomach. Relieve heartburn and indigestion. Manage H. pylori infections. Key Characteristics Form: Oral suspension (262 mg/15 mL, 524 mg/30 mL), chewable tablets (262 mg), caplets (262 mg) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Bendamustine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Bendamustine? Bendamustine is an alkylating agent with a unique structure combining a purine analog and a nitrogen mustard, used to treat certain blood cancers. This medication induces DNA damage in malignant cells, leading to apoptosis, and is effective in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Overview of Bendamustine Generic Name: Bendamustine Brand Name: Treanda, Bendeka, generics Drug Group: Alkylating agent Commonly Used For Treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Manage indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Improve progression-free survival in relapsed cases. Key Characteristics Form: Intravenous (IV) infusion (100 mg vial) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Brivaracetam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Brivaracetam? Brivaracetam is an anticonvulsant that binds to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), used to treat partial-onset seizures in epilepsy. This medication reduces excessive neuronal activity, providing adjunctive therapy for patients with uncontrolled seizures, and is known for its rapid onset and favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Overview of Brivaracetam Generic Name: Brivaracetam Brand Name: Briviact, generics Drug Group: Anticonvulsant Commonly Used For Treat partial-onset seizures. Manage epilepsy as adjunctive therapy. Reduce seizure frequency in adults and children. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75…
Comprehensive Guide to Amoxicillin-Clavulanate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate? Amoxicillin-Clavulanate is a combination antibiotic that pairs amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibacterial, with clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This medication treats bacterial infections by disrupting cell wall synthesis and extending coverage to beta-lactamase-producing strains, effective against a wide range of pathogens. Overview of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Generic Name: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Brand Name: Augmentin, generics Drug Group: Penicillin antibiotic/Beta-lactamase inhibitor Commonly Used For Treat respiratory tract infections. Manage skin and soft tissue infections. Address sinusitis and otitis media. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (250 mg/125 mg, 500 mg/125 mg, 875 mg/125 mg),…
Comprehensive Guide to Acyclovir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Acyclovir? Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This medication works by interfering with viral DNA polymerase, preventing the spread of infection, and is widely used to treat herpes infections and shingles. Overview of Acyclovir Generic Name: Acyclovir Brand Name: Zovirax, generics Drug Group: Antiviral Commonly Used For Treat herpes simplex infections. Manage varicella-zoster (chickenpox, shingles). Prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg), topical cream (5%), IV injection (500…
Comprehensive Guide to Atorvastatin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Atorvastatin? Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, this drug reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Marketed under the brand name Lipitor and as generics, the statin is available in oral tablet form. Atorvastatin’s benefits include significant cardiovascular risk reduction, but it requires monitoring for side effects like myopathy or elevated liver enzymes. Overview of Atorvastatin…
Comprehensive Guide to Aspirin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Aspirin? Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, fever reduction, and antiplatelet effects. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, this drug reduces inflammation, pain, and platelet aggregation, making it effective for conditions like headaches, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Marketed under brand names like Bayer, Ecotrin, and generics, the pain reliever is available in oral forms, including tablets and chewables. Aspirin’s benefits include its versatility and low cost, but it requires careful use due to risks like gastrointestinal bleeding and…
Comprehensive Guide to Amoxicillin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Amoxicillin? Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory, ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. By inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, this medication kills susceptible bacteria, effectively treating infections. Marketed under brand names like Amoxil, Moxatag, and generics, the drug is available in oral forms such as capsules, tablets, and suspensions. The antibiotic’s benefits include broad-spectrum activity and a favorable safety profile, but it requires careful use to avoid resistance and side effects like diarrhea or allergic reactions. Overview of…
Comprehensive Guide to Allopurinol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Allopurinol? Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used primarily to manage high uric acid levels in conditions like gout and kidney stones, as well as during chemotherapy to prevent tumor lysis syndrome. By inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, this drug reduces uric acid production, helping to prevent gout flares and urate-related complications. Marketed under brand names like Zyloprim and Aloprim, the medication is available in oral and intravenous forms and is widely used for its efficacy in long-term uric acid control. Its benefits include reducing gout attacks, dissolving…