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 Unoprostone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Unoprostone? Unoprostone is a prostaglandin F2α analog that lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing uveoscleral outflow, primarily used to manage open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This medication offers an alternative for patients intolerant to other glaucoma treatments, administered as an eye drop under ophthalmic supervision. 2. Overview of Unoprostone Generic Name Unoprostone Brand Name Rescula, generics (availability varies by region) Drug Group Prostaglandin analog (antiglaucoma) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Reduce intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Manage ocular hypertension. Support long-term ocular health. Key…
Comprehensive Guide to Urapidil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Urapidil? Urapidil is an antihypertensive agent with a dual mechanism, acting as an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker and a central 5-HT1A receptor agonist, used to manage hypertension, particularly in acute settings. This medication is valued for its rapid onset and balanced blood pressure control. 2. Overview of Urapidil Generic Name Urapidil Brand Name Ebrantil, generics Drug Group Antihypertensive (alpha-1 blocker, 5-HT1A agonist) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat hypertensive emergencies. Manage severe hypertension. Control perioperative blood pressure. Key Characteristics Form: Intravenous solution (5 mg/mL,…
Comprehensive Guide to Ustekinumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Ustekinumab? Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), inhibiting inflammatory pathways involved in autoimmune diseases. This medication is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, offering significant symptom relief under specialized care. 2. Overview of Ustekinumab Generic Name Ustekinumab Brand Name Stelara, generics Drug Group IL-12/23 inhibitor (biologic, immunosuppressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat plaque psoriasis. Manage psoriatic arthritis. Control Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Key Characteristics Form: Subcutaneous injection…
Comprehensive Guide to Ursodiol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Ursodiol? Ursodiol, also known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), is a naturally occurring bile acid that reduces cholesterol saturation in bile and protects liver cells. This medication is widely used to treat gallstones, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and other hepatobiliary disorders, offering a non-surgical therapeutic option. 2. Overview of Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic acid) Generic Name Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) Brand Name Actigall, Urso, generics Drug Group Bile acid (hepatoprotective) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Manage liver disease symptoms. Key…
Comprehensive Guide to Urokinase: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Urokinase? Urokinase is a thrombolytic enzyme derived from human neonatal kidney cells that converts plasminogen to plasmin, dissolving blood clots. This medication is used to treat acute thrombotic conditions, such as pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction, under critical care settings. 2. Overview of Urokinase Generic Name Urokinase Brand Name Abbokinase, generics Drug Group Thrombolytic agent Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat pulmonary embolism. Manage acute myocardial infarction. Resolve deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Key Characteristics Form: Lyophilized powder for injection (250,000 IU, 500,000 IU/vial) (detailed…
Comprehensive Guide to Thalidomide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Thalidomide? Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, initially introduced as a sedative but now used to treat multiple myeloma, leprosy, and other conditions. This medication has a complex history due to its teratogenic effects, requiring strict regulatory oversight. 2. Overview of Thalidomide Generic Name Thalidomide Brand Name Thalomid, generics Drug Group Immunomodulatory agent (antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat multiple myeloma. Manage erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Control certain autoimmune conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (50 mg, 100…
Comprehensive Guide to Tacrolimus: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Tacrolimus? Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant that suppresses T-cell activation, primarily used to prevent organ transplant rejection and treat certain autoimmune conditions. This medication is a cornerstone in managing immune-mediated diseases, administered under specialized supervision. 2. Overview of Tacrolimus Generic Name Tacrolimus Brand Name Prograf, Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Protopic (topical), generics Drug Group Calcineurin inhibitor (immunosuppressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Prevent organ transplant rejection. Treat atopic dermatitis (topical form). Manage autoimmune diseases. Key Characteristics Form: Oral capsules (0.5 mg, 1 mg,…
Comprehensive Guide to Tadalafil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Tadalafil? Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that enhances blood flow by relaxing smooth muscles and dilating blood vessels, primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medication offers a long-acting option for improving quality of life in various conditions. 2. Overview of Tadalafil Generic Name Tadalafil Brand Name Cialis, Adcirca, generics Drug Group PDE5 inhibitor Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Treat pulmonary arterial…
Comprehensive Guide to Tamoxifen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Tamoxifen? Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that acts as an estrogen antagonist in breast tissue while functioning as an agonist in other tissues, primarily used to treat and prevent breast cancer. This medication is a cornerstone in hormonal therapy for hormone receptor-positive cancers, administered under specialized care. 2. Overview of Tamoxifen Generic Name Tamoxifen Brand Name Nolvadex, Soltamox, generics Drug Group Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat breast cancer. Prevent breast cancer in high-risk individuals. Manage…
Comprehensive Guide to Tamsulosin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Tamsulosin? Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker that relaxes smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. This medication is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and related urinary symptoms, offering relief for men with lower urinary tract issues. 2. Overview of Tamsulosin Generic Name Tamsulosin Brand Name Flomax, generics Drug Group Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Relieve urinary retention. Improve lower urinary tract symptoms. Key Characteristics Form: Oral…