Optimizing the Use of Hydroxychloroquine in the Management of COVID-19 Given Its Pharmacological Profile
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Date
2020-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SCIENCEDOMAIN international
Abstract
After the global pandemic of the new coronavirus, its rapid spreadand many victims, it is necessary to find an effective vaccine or drugs to overcome it. Most specialists consider that repositioning somemedications is the best, fastestand most reliable option for treating patients with the new coronavirus without delay. One of these drugs was an old antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine. The current review aimed to explore its potential mechanism, as well as its pharmacokinetics and toxicity, in an attempt to suggest a treatment protocol for its use in treating the COVID-19 virus effectively and safely. This study reviewed the published references on the popular search engines as well as the reference books regarding the pharmacological effects of HCQ.The results of this study suggested the following practical guidelines to optimize HCQ efficacy and safety in the management of COVID-19. HQC should be used as early as possible, i.e., once the viral infection is confirmed or suspected. A loading dose is recommended to be given in 3-4 divided doses to minimize cardiac toxicity. Maintenance daily dose (divided into two doses), should be continued until complete remission. Precautions,drug-interaction, contraindications, variable metabolic pathways in the particular population should be considered. This study suggests more clinical trials regarding the use of HCQ in the management of early identified COVID-19 patients under close medical observation to minimize HCQ cardiac toxicity
Description
Keywords
Hydroxychloroquine, antimalarial drugs, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, clinical trials, pharmacokinetics, cardiac toxicity
Citation
Ali Ahmed S., Abdel-Rahman Mahran S., Almalikil Riyadh S., Mohamed Abir S., Alfaifi Khalid A., Fadil Abdelbabgi El., El-Shitany Nagla A., Alkreathy Huda M.. Optimizing the Use of Hydroxychloroquine in the Management of COVID-19 Given Its Pharmacological Profile. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International. 2020 May; 32(8): 29-43