Amid all the stress the world is going through with the novel pandemic coronavirus, this might be a sliver hope for everyone working hard to find a cure for the virus. A recent French study has determined that hydroxychloroquine might be the answer to treat the virus. According to the study, if paired up with an antibiotic, the anti-malarial drug will prove to be very beneficial for those fighting the deadly virus.?
However, scientists have advised everyone to move ahead with caution as there is limited research available clinical trials on a large basis are yet to be carried out. Once those are confirmed, only then the complete effectiveness of the drug can be determined.
In India, the use of hydroxychloroquine has been majorly recommended for high-risk patients as well as asymptomatic health care workers who are treating infected people and exposing themselves to the virus. Family members of COVID-19 confirmed cases are also recommended to use the drug to prevent catching the infection.
President of the Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr Balram Bhargava, has issued a note which warns people to not let the drug provide them with a false sense of security. Prescribed health measures like washing hands, respiratory etiquette, and minimum 1 m distance should still be vigorously followed by everyone.
The note further explains how the medicine works and why it is being recommended. It reads, 'Its use in prophylaxis is derived from available evidence of benefit as treatment and supported by pre-clinical data. The recommendation is based on risk-benefit consideration under exceptional circumstances that call for protection of high-risk individuals'.
The recommended dosage of the drug is 400mg twice a day which should be followed by a weekly dose of 400mg for next 7 weeks. Children under 15 years are recommended to not use the drug. The drug can only be prescribed by a qualified registered medical practitioner.?