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Repositioned Drugs for COVID-19-the Impact on Multiple Organs.
Christina Chan1,2,3,4, Sean T Foster1, Kayla G Chan5
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Sciences, Michigan State University, 428 S. Shaw Lane, Room 2100 EB, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA.
SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine
|April 26, 2021
Summary
This review examines 47 drugs for COVID-19 treatment, highlighting their effects on vital organs. Understanding these drug impacts is crucial for managing severe cases, especially with emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Repurposed drugs are investigated for COVID-19 treatment, often selected for pulmonary, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants may reduce vaccine efficacy, increasing the need for effective drug therapies.
- Patients with comorbidities often require intensive interventions for severe COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the beneficial and harmful effects of 47 proposed COVID-19 drugs on major organ systems.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on cardiac, pulmonary, immune, renal, hepatic, and central nervous systems.
- To inform clinical decisions regarding drug use in COVID-19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published findings on drug efficacy and toxicity.
- Analysis of effects across multiple organ systems including heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and CNS.
- Evaluation of drug impacts in the context of COVID-19 treatment and emerging viral variants.
Main Results:
- Many repurposed drugs show benefits for the pulmonary system.
- These drugs exhibit mixed effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
- Potential for both therapeutic benefits and adverse organ-specific effects exists.
Conclusions:
- Drug treatments are vital alongside vaccines and public health measures for combating COVID-19.
- Understanding organ-specific effects of COVID-19 drugs is critical for patient management, especially with comorbidities.
- Further research is needed to optimize drug selection and minimize adverse events in COVID-19 treatment.
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