Current and Repurposing Medication for SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Authors

  • Kittiya Jantarathaneewat Department of Pharmaceutical care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
  • Korakoch Kangwantas Department of Pharmaceutical care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
  • Nattapong Tidwong Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Repurposing agents, Antiviral, Remdesivir

Abstract

           In the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, there is no specific agent to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Repurposing medication can be an alternative agent. Remdesivir is the first antiviral drug that has been approved for COVID-19 treatment whereas lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine, which was early used in SARS-CoV-2 widespread, are against by well-known guidelines due to lack of efficacy and potential toxicity. Corticosteroids are an essential supportive care in COVID-19 patient with severe disease to reduce lung inflammation. Favipiravir may have a potential benefit for COVID-19 patient, but the data is still uncertain. Ivermectin, an antihelmintic agent, may be used against SARS-CoV-2 but further studies are needed. Immunomodulatory such as tocilizumab in combination with dexamethasone can be used for reducing inflammatory storm during severe COVID-19. Baricitinib is considered as an alternative agent for patients with COVID-19. Repurposing drugs with possible mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 are essential key to combat with SARS-CoV-2 during the specific medications under investigation.

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Published

2021-10-29

How to Cite

[1]
Jantarathaneewat, K. , Kangwantas, K. and Tidwong, N. 2021. Current and Repurposing Medication for SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine. 21, - (Oct. 2021), S91-S101.