ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A novel coronavirus-caused pneumonia has been widespread worldwide since the end of 2019. The rapid widespread has prompted the repurposing of drugs based on promising in vitro and therapeutic results with other human coronavirus diseases. These repurposed drugs have mainly included remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavirritonavir, ribavirin, interferons, and hydroxychloroquine. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of any antiviral for 2019-nCoV infection in a national referral hospital. METHODS: This research was a retrospective study to evaluate all antiviral clinical responses used in a national referral hospital. RESULTS: Based on gender, there is a similar frequency from all patients. Hematology, followed by cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, is the most frequent comorbidity. There is no significant difference between the two groups antiviral treatment for a length of stay parameter. The most extended length of stay is 29 days. About 64.5% of patients are cured of SARS-Cov-2 infection. In the remdesivir group, we find that the mortality is significantly high. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcome of these antiviral treatments is similar, except for mortality. The severity of COVID-19 causes differences in mortality.
ABSTRACT
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 in China, has become a pandemic in March 2020. Repurposing old and relatively safe drugs becomes an advantageous option to obtain the urgently needed effective treatment. Repurposing chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, oseltamivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and favipiravir, and the use of investigational drug remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19, are reviewed from the clinical pharmacology perspective, particularly its efficacy and safety. Limited clinical studies of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, and remdesivir showed some efficacy in COVID-19 treatment with tolerable adverse effects. Potential serious adverse effect of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is cardiac arrhythmia. Oseltamivir has no documented activity against SARS-CoV-2, while lopinavir/ritonavir showed limited efficacy in COVID-19. Currently, there is no sufficient evidence to recommend any specific anti-COVID-19 treatment. The decision to use these drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic must be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks to the patient.