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Concept
Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine
- Brand Name: Aralen (chloroquine) and Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Indication: treatment of malaria and autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Class: Antimalarial agents
- Mechanism: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine interfere with the glycosylation of the enzyme ACE2 to reduce virus receptor binding. They may also inhibit enzymes like viral DNA and RNA polymerase and processes such as viral assembly and release. The accumulation of hydroxychloroquine in the cells increases the pH of organelles and prevents the processing of antigens (i.e. viral particles) prohibiting their entry to the cell.
- Common AEs: Heart disorders, liver impairment
- Drug-Drug Interactions: Digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and class IA and III antiarrhythmics
- Safety and Efficacy: Studies have suggested that chloroquine exhibits antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and is effective in reducing viral replication in vitro. Chloroquine is recommended in the use of hospitalized patients and within clinical trials due to the risk of serious adverse reactions outside of these settings. The use of hydroxychloroquine is not recommended in hospitalized or nonhospitalized patients outside of clinical trials and data is limited and inconclusive.
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Updated 2021-07-31
Tags
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Biomedical Sciences