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Antiviral Agent Therapy Optimization in Special Populations of COVID-19 Patients

Lu Li1, Xiaojuan Wang1, Rongrong Wang1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.

Drug Design, Development and Therapy
|August 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This review examines antiviral treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing on drug efficacy and safety in special populations. It identifies potential antiviral options for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global health crisis.
  • Antiviral therapies are crucial for managing SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • Physiological changes in special populations can alter drug pharmacokinetics, impacting treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical effects of potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.
  • To identify suitable antiviral options for special patient populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with organ dysfunction or on advanced life support.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies on antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
  • Analysis of drug pharmacokinetics and clinical effects in various patient groups.

Main Results:

  • Several antiviral agents, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, arbidol, interferon alpha, and remdesivir, have shown potential against SARS-CoV-2.
  • Considerations for drug selection are highlighted for pregnant women, elderly patients, individuals with liver or renal impairment, and critically ill patients on renal replacement therapy or ECMO.

Conclusions:

  • Antiviral treatment selection requires careful consideration of patient-specific factors.
  • Further research is needed to optimize antiviral strategies for special populations affected by COVID-19.
Keywords:
antiviral therapycoronavirus disease 2019severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2special population

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