By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Small study reported hydroxychloroquine +/- azithromycin reduced viral RNA in upper resp tract specimens vs a non-randomized control group, but trial didn’t assess clinical benefit; hydroxychloroquine & azithro are assoc w/ QT prolongation, thus caution a
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Due to higher in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 and wider availability in US, hydroxychloroquine has been used in hospitalized pts in the US
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Main safety concern for both drugs: cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation) w/ prolonged use in pts w/ hepatic or renal dysfunction and immunosuppression, but have been reportedly well tolerated in COVID-19
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Study in China reported chloroquine had clinical and virologic benefit vs placebo, after which it was added as a recommended antiviral for COVID-19; based on limited in-vitro and anecdotal data, both drugs are currently recommended in several countries
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Both are PO drugs w/ in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 & other coronaviruses; potency of hydroxychloroquine relatively higher than that of chloroquine
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Currently no available data from RCTs to inform use, dosing, duration of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19. Some US clinicians have reported anecdotally different dosing such as: 400 mg bid on day 1, then once daily x5days; 400 mg bid on day 1, then 200 mg
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 Info on Tx Options for COVID-19 Patients—Currently no FDA drugs specifically approved; mgmt includes infxn prevention/control & supportive care (supplemental O2, mechanical vent support when needed); array of drugs undergoing clinical trials
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 3) Any persons incl healthcare workers,2 who have had close contact3 w/ a suspect or lab-confirmed4 COVID-19 pt w/in 14 days of sx onset, or a hx of travel from affected geographic areas5 w/in 14 days of sx onset
By vgreene, 22 March, 2020 3) Any persons incl healthcare workers,2 who have had close contact3 w/ a suspect or lab-confirmed4 COVID-19 pt w/in 14 days of sx onset, or a hx of travel from affected geographic areas5 w/in 14 days of sx onset