Hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19: What does the evidence say?
AdityaPrasad Dash, Praveen Balabaskaran Nina
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial has been proposed as possible treatment for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). India has approved the use of HCQ for prophylaxis of asymptomatic health workers treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, and asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued Emergency Use Authorization for the use of HCQ to treat COVID-19 in adolescents and adults. In this review, we go over the available evidence for and against HCQ's use as prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19, especially in the Indian context.
Topics & Concepts
HydroxychloroquineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Medicine2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)VirologyIntensive care medicineInternal medicineOutbreakDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)COVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesDrug-Induced Ocular ToxicityVitamin C and Antioxidants Research