Hydroxychloroquine use in the COVID-19 patient
Emily Littlejohn
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has multiple potential antiviral mechanisms of action that differ according to the pathogen studied (eg, Chikungunya, Dengue virus, human immunodeficiency virus, poliovirus, Zika virus). Data on HCQ for treatment of COVID-19 are rapidly evolving. To date, there is no evidence from randomized controlled trials that HCQ, or any single therapy, improves outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. There are also no clinical trial data supporting prophylactic HCQ therapy in COVID-19. Use of HCQ in patients with COVID-19 is being investigated for prophylaxis, postexposure prophylaxis, and treatment.
Topics & Concepts
HydroxychloroquineMedicineChikungunyaCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)VirologyRandomized controlled trialDengue feverClinical trialVirusSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Internal medicineIntensive care medicineImmunologyDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)COVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesDrug-Induced Ocular ToxicityInfectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis