Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine for COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence.

Introduction

Didier Raoult, the former director of the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, has been a vocal proponent of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. However, the scientific evidence on the efficacy of these drugs is mixed.

What is Hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is Chloroquine?

Chloroquine is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but is not as effective as hydroxychloroquine.

Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine for COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence

There have been numerous studies on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. The results of these studies have been mixed.

Some studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of death in patients with COVID-19, while other studies have shown no benefit.

A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2020 found that hydroxychloroquine did not improve symptoms or reduce the risk of death in patients with COVID-19. The study also found that hydroxychloroquine was associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

Risks of Hydroxychloroquine:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Itching
• Rash
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Conclusion

The scientific evidence on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 is mixed. Studies have found both benefits and risks.

Due to the mixed evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 outside of clinical trials.