Information and communication needs in the administration of ibuprofen in the treatment of symptoms in COVID-19 patients
Chrysanthus Chukwuma
Abstract
Ibuprofen is a ubiquitous anti-inflammatory drug consumed as an anti-pyretic agent, and in the diminution of pain, redness and swelling. There has been an expansive controversy regarding ibuprofen treatment in the exacerbation or aggravation in symptoms of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19; although, WHO does not recommend non-application of ibuprofen in the treatment and control of COVID-19 symptoms. Currently, there is no perspicuous evidence that ibuprofen aggravates COVID-19 symptoms but a cross-section of opinion recommends paracetamol in lieu of ibuprofen for COVID-19 symptoms whereas certain studies advocate complete ibuprofen abstinence in the management of COVID-19 symptoms. Previous studies indicate that ibuprofen may exacerbate COVID-19 Symptoms or deteriorate its management because patients have experienced severe thoracic aberrations and prolonged prostrations following the consumption of NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen. It has not been clearly elucidated that ibuprofen consumption per se results in symptom deterioration or illness prolongation, or that anti-inflammatories including ibuprofen may occlude the magnitude of COVID-19 severity and latitude for the interference in certain immune response, as they have not yet been identified with ibuprofen.