The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the world, disrupting businesses and normalcy in society. Everyone is hoping for a quick and effective treatment to curb the spread of the virus. With several clinical trials still ongoing and no vaccine available yet, the focus has now shifted to drugs that can help manage symptoms and improve patients’ chances of recovery. In this article, we will outline and discuss the ten best medicines for COVID-19 treatment.
1. Remdesivir
Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that has been granted the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19. This drug has proved effective in reducing the duration of symptoms and has been shown to promote earlier recovery from the disease.
2. Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a steroid that has been found to help reduce inflammation in patients with COVID-19. It has proven to be beneficial in severely ill COVID-19 patients who require oxygen therapy.
3. Tocilizumab
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that has been used to treat cytokine storm syndrome, which is a potentially serious complication in COVID-19 patients. This medication is used to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the lungs, kidneys, and heart.
4. Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine, a drug long used to treat malaria, has been explored as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, following several clinical trials, it has been concluded that this drug does not have any benefits in the treatment of COVID-19.
5. Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. This medication has not been proven to treat COVID-19 but is occasionally used to prevent secondary infections in patients already suffering from the virus.
6. Ivermectin
Ivermectin is a drug that has been used to treat parasitic infections. Recently, it has been studied as a possible treatment for COVID-19, although there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness.
7. Lopinavir-Ritonavir
Lopinavir-Ritonavir is an antiviral drug that has been used in the treatment of HIV. Researchers have tried this drug on COVID-19 patients, but although some clinical trials show some benefits, others have concluded that it does not improve outcomes.
8. Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is a gas that helps to expand blood vessels, thus improving oxygenation to the lungs. It has been used as a part of the treatment of COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support.
9. Convalescent Plasma Therapy
Convalescent plasma therapy involves the use of blood plasma from convalescent COVID-19 patients. The plasma is transfused into severely ill COVID-19 patients to aid recovery. This therapy shows promise, but its use is limited due to a shortage of donors.
10. Baricitinib
Baricitinib is a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It has been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, and promising outcomes have been reported.
Conclusion
The search for the best medication to treat COVID-19 is an ongoing process. Ten medications with varying levels of efficacy have been discussed in this article. However, the efficacy of these drugs varies, depending on their use and the stage of the disease in patients. It is important to note that self-medication can be dangerous, and any decision to use a medication should be taken as per a doctor’s instruction. Staying safe from the virus should still be everyone’s priority, and we should continue observing the prescribed guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.
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