Warning: DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THESE MEDS!!
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Off Label Adult
Doses as hydroxychloroquine sulfate. Severe COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients (efficacy not established; conflicting results in preliminary human clinical studies): Belgium interim guidance recommends 400 mg PO q 12 h for 2 doses then 200 mg two times per day for 4 days (5 days total). Clinical trials under-way for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis, and treatment of mild to severe COVID-19.
Chloroquine phospate
Off Label Adult
Doses as chloroquine phospate. Severe COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients (efficacy unclear; reduced viral load with hydroxychloroquine in preliminary human study): Belgium interim guidance recommends 1000 mg PO first dose, then 500 mg PO q 12 h to complete 5 days. Clinical trials under-way.
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate are oral prescription drugs for malaria and other diseases. Although there are no currently approved treatments for COVID-19, BOTH HAVE BEEN SHOWN ACTIVITY IN LABORATORY STUDIES against coronaviruses, including COVID-19. Anecdotal reports suggest that these drugs may offer some benefit in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Clinical trials are needed to provide scientific evidence that these treatments are effective.
On March 28, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for both these meds.
The FDA issues EUA if the potential benefits outweigh potential risks and there are no adequate, approved, available alternatives...