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Montelukast and Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Scoping Review
Niusha Sharifinejad1, Samin Sharafian2, Sana Salekmoghadam3
1Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran AND Alborz Office of Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. marzieh.tavakol@yahoo.com.
Insights
Montelukast (MK), an asthma drug, shows potential as a treatment and preventative measure against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a significant global health challenge.
- Developing effective therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 is crucial.
- Montelukast (MK), a widely used asthma medication, has emerged as a potential antiviral agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the use of Montelukast (MK) in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
- To evaluate the potential of MK as an adjuvant therapy or prophylactic agent against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
- Studies investigating the influence of MK on SARS-CoV-2 were identified and analyzed.
- A total of 35 relevant studies were included in this review.
Main Results:
- The reviewed studies suggest that Montelukast (MK) demonstrates potential benefits in managing COVID-19.
- Evidence indicates MK may serve as a valuable adjuvant therapeutic agent.
- MK also shows promise as a prophylactic measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
- Montelukast (MK) is a promising candidate for adjuvant therapy and prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2.
- The current evidence supports the consideration of MK in COVID-19 management strategies.
- Further rigorous clinical trials are essential to definitively establish the efficacy and safety of MK for COVID-19.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging worldwide issue, that has affected a large number of people around the world. So far, many studies have aimed to develop a therapeutic approach against COVID-19. Montelukast (MK) is a safe asthma controller drug, which is considered as a potential antiviral drug for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review has a systematic approach to investigate the reports on the use of MK as a part of treatment or a prophylactic agent in COVID-19. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and yielded 35 studies containing the influence of MK on SARS-CoV-2. Ultimately, MK appears to be worth being used as an adjuvant therapeutic and prophylactic drug against SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are required to accurately investigate its effectiveness.
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