Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine if nebulized ethanol (EtOH) is safe and effective in treating COVID-19. A randomized controlled trial was carried out on 99 symptomatic and RT-PCR-positive patients admitted to a hospital that were given Remdesivir and Dexamethasone. They were randomly given either a 35% EtOH spray (intervention group, IG) or distilled water spray (control group, CG). For a week, each group underwent three nebulizer puffs every 6 hours. Global Symptomatic Score (GSS) comparisons between the two groups at the initial visit and on days 3, 7, and 14. Secondary outcomes include the readmission rate and the Clinical Status Scale (CSS), a seven-point ordinal scale that ranges from death to full recovery. The intervention and control groups, respectively included 44 and 55 patients. The GSS and CSS considerably improved in the IG, despite the fact that there was no difference at admission (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively) (Zero vs. 10.9%; P = 0.02). The IG readmission rate was much reduced. Inhaled-nebulized EtOH responds well in quickly improving the clinical status and limiting the need for further therapy. Further investigation into the therapeutic and preventative properties of EtOH is advised due to its affordability, availability, and lack of/tolerable side effects.