Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

Several treatments have been developed for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. These treatments can be divided into antiviral medications, immunomodulatory therapies, supportive care and vaccinations.

The best known antiviral drugs against COVID-19 are Remdesivir. It inhibits the multiplication of the virus and is administered to patients who are admitted to hospital and require supplemental oxygen. Molnupiravir and Paxlovid are oral antiviral medications for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in at-risk patients. Paxlovid combines nirmatrelvir and ritonavir and is intended for home use to prevent hospitalization.

A corticosteroid is recommended for critically ill patients who require oxygen therapy or ventilation. Tocilizumab and Sarilumab are monoclonal antibodies used in critically ill patients to reduce the inflammatory response. Baricitinib can be combined with remdesivir for the treatment of critically ill patients.

Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation are used as supportive care.

Source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2007764

Source: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2021436

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-22 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024