Pharmacological repurposed agents for COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a significant global challenge with respect to the search for specific and effective pharmacological agents with fewer adverse effects for treating this disease. To date, no effective therapy for COVID-19 has been established. Recent virological studies suggest an assortment of potential therapeutics, which could be good candidates for minimizing disease development. One of the most effective potential medications is Remdesivir, which has demonstrated in-vitro antiviral activity and is the first COVID-19 drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Adjunct medical care is used as an extra treatment method in addition to the essential treatment, for example, glucocorticoids, which cause a decline in the death rate in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. More clinical preliminary studies should be conducted to explore the most effective pharmacological agent for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19. Numerous possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may take place with the COVID-19 repurposed drugs and other medications have been identified. These facts might be beneficial for physicians to screen and identify potential DDIs with adverse consequences, and accordingly styling preventive and management approaches for their avoidance.