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Published on: November 5, 2021
Drugs in primary care that may alter COVID-19 risk and severity
Brent Luu1, Sampath Wijesinghe, Tarek Kassem
1Brent Luu is an associate clinical professor at the University of California Davis's Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing in Sacramento, Calif. Sampath Wijesinghe is a clinical assistant professor in the PA program at Stanford (Calif.) University. Tarek Kassem is an assistant professor at California Northstate University in Elk Grove, Calif. Justin Lien is a student at Western University's College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, Calif. Darrick Luu is a student at California Northstate University College of Health Science in Rancho Cordova, Calif. Rynee Wijesinghe is a student at California State University in Fresno, Calif. Leianna Luu is a student at the University of California Riverside. Gerald Kayingo is assistant dean, executive director, and professor in the Physician Assistant Leadership and Learning Academy at the University of Maryland Baltimore. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
This article describes drugs used in primary care that could alter patients' risk for and severity of COVID-19. The risks and benefits of each drug class were differentiated according to the strength of evidence from 58 selected randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Most of the studies reported on drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Other classes included opioids, acid suppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, vitamins, biguanides, and statins. Current evidence has not fully differentiated drugs that may increase risk versus benefits in COVID-19 infection. Further studies are needed in this area.
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