Hydroxychloroquine
The Indian Council of Medical Research has recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine drug for treating high risk COVID-19 patients.
About the Drug
Hydroxychloroquine is a less toxic form of chloroquine, a noted anti-malarial drug. Chloroquine was derived from quinine, isolated from the cinchona tree barks by French chemist in 1820 for treating fevers. Though hydroxychloroquine is an analogue of chloroquine, it has different physical and chemical properties.
Medical Use
Hydroxychloroquine is used for the treatment of malaria- specifically the type that is sensitive to chloroquine. It is also used for treatment of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and porphyria cutanea tarda. Currently, it is being used on an experimental basis for preventive treatment of COVID-19 cases.
ICMR Recommendation
The ICMR had recommended the use of hydroxychlorquine for the following categories of people:
- High risk COVID-19 patients.
- Asymptomatic healthcare workers
- Asymptomatic household contacts of patients etc.
The ICMR recommends its use only under exceptional circumstances. The recommendation is based on a recent French study that found the drug’s action against the disease when combined with an anti-biotic mechanism.
