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 Albuterol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Albuterol? Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator) used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, this medication relaxes airway smooth muscles, improving airflow and alleviating symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Marketed under brand names like ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and Proventil HFA, the drug is available in inhalation, oral, and nebulized forms. The bronchodilator’s benefits include rapid symptom relief and ease of use, but it requires careful monitoring for…
Comprehensive Guide to Alprazolam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Alprazolam? Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety associated with depression. By enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, this drug produces a calming effect, reducing excessive neuronal activity. Marketed under brand names like Xanax and Xanax XR, the treatment is available in oral forms and is valued for its rapid onset in managing acute anxiety and panic attacks. The medication’s benefits include effective symptom relief, but it carries significant risks of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, requiring careful…
Comprehensive Guide to Azithromycin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Azithromycin? Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. By inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, this drug prevents bacterial growth, effectively treating infections caused by susceptible organisms. Marketed under brand names like Zithromax and Z-Pak, the medication is available in oral, intravenous, and ophthalmic forms. The antibiotic’s benefits include a convenient dosing schedule and broad-spectrum activity, but it requires careful use to avoid resistance and side effects like gastrointestinal upset or QT prolongation. Overview…
Comprehensive Guide to Acetaminophen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Paracetamol? Is it different from Acetaminophen? Paracetamol is simply another name for acetaminophen—the widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. The two terms refer to the same medication: “acetaminophen” is the U.S. name, while “paracetamol” is commonly used in Europe and many other countries. There is no difference in the drug itself, only in the naming. What is Acetaminophen? Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) employed to manage mild to moderate pain and fever. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), this drug has…
Comprehensive Guide to Amlodipine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Amlodipine? Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). By relaxing blood vessels, this drug lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow to the heart, reducing the workload on the cardiovascular system. Marketed under brand names like Norvasc and Katerzia, the medication is available in oral forms and is valued for its long-acting effects and efficacy in managing cardiovascular conditions. The treatment’s benefits include reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and angina symptoms, but it requires monitoring for…
Comprehensive Guide to Acarbose: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Acarbose? Acarbose is an oral antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption. As an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, this drug slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, reducing postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose spikes. Marketed under brand names like Precose and Glucobay, the treatment is taken orally and is valued for its ability to improve glycemic control without causing significant hypoglycemia when used alone. The medication’s benefits include better blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes, particularly for patients with…
Comprehensive Guide to Acebutolol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Acebutolol? Acebutolol is a beta-blocker medication used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular arrhythmias. As a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), this drug reduces heart rate and blood pressure while maintaining some baseline cardiac stimulation. Marketed under brand names like Sectral, the treatment is administered orally and is valued for its efficacy in managing cardiovascular conditions with a lower risk of bronchospasm compared to non-selective beta-blockers. The medication’s benefits include blood pressure control and arrhythmia prevention,…
Comprehensive Guide to Acetazolamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Acetazolamide? Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, altitude sickness, epilepsy, and edema. By inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, this drug reduces fluid production in the eyes, decreases intracranial pressure, and promotes diuresis, making it versatile for multiple medical conditions. Marketed under brand names like Diamox and Diamox Sequels, the treatment is available in oral and injectable forms and is valued for its efficacy in managing intraocular pressure and preventing altitude-related symptoms. The medication’s benefits include rapid action and broad applications, but…
Comprehensive Guide to Acitretin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Acitretin? Acitretin is a systemic retinoid medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of severe psoriasis and various disorders of keratinization. Derived from vitamin A, Acitretin belongs to the second-generation retinoids and works by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and inflammation. This mechanism helps normalize the excessive skin cell turnover seen in psoriasis and other keratin-related conditions. Acitretin is distinguished by its oral administration, offering a non-immunosuppressive alternative to treatments like biologics, and its ability to induce long-term remission in some patients. Unlike…
Comprehensive Guide to Adefovir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Adefovir? Adefovir is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults with evidence of active viral replication. As a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, this drug inhibits HBV DNA polymerase, reducing viral load and slowing liver disease progression. Marketed under the brand name Hepsera, the treatment is administered orally and is valued for its efficacy in managing HBV, particularly in patients with lamivudine-resistant strains. The medication’s benefits include suppressing HBV replication and improving liver function, but it requires careful monitoring due to…