Hydroxychloroquine and Covid-19: A Cellular and Molecular Biology Based Update

Indian J Clin Biochem. 2020 Jul;35(3):274-284. doi: 10.1007/s12291-020-00900-x. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Abstract

As the time for finding a definitive and safe cure as a vaccine for novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is still far, there is need to study in depth about the other potential drugs, which can save millions of lives due to Covid-19 pandemic. Right at the center of the debate is the use of drug "Hydroxychloroquine" as a prophylaxis as well as a treatment strategy against Covid-19 in conjunction with azithromycin. In this review, we will study the cellular and molecular aspects of hydroxychloroquine, which had driven its use in Covid-19 patients, as well as its chemistry and pharmacokinetics along with clinical trials going on worldwide using hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19.

Keywords: Covid-19; Cytokine storm; Hydroxychloroquine; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Publication types

  • Review