Favipiravir: Emergent antiviral drug during Covid -19

Kondeti Venkata Surya Siva Kumar; Suryadevara Vidyadhara; Janga Ramesh Babu

doi:10.55940/medphar202344

Authors

Kondeti Venkata Surya Siva Kumar Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Suryadevara Vidyadhara Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics , Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute Of Pharmaceutical Sciences Andhra Pradesh ,522019, India
Janga Ramesh Babu Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics , Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute Of Pharmaceutical Sciences Andhra Pradesh ,522019, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55940/medphar202344

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, antiviral potency, Efficacy, Health education

Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2, a virus with a diameter of 125 microns, has caused a global pandemic, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The lack of specific medications against this novel coronavirus has prompted the medical community to explore repurposed pharmaceuticals as potential treatment options. Among these drugs, favipiravir, initially developed for influenza, has garnered significant attention, particularly in India. To better understand the potential role of favipiravir in managing COVID-19, a comprehensive and evidence-based evaluation is essential. This study aims to provide a thorough assessment of favipiravir's efficacy in the context of the current COVID-19 epidemic.

Method: A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted to gather relevant evidence on the use of favipiravir in COVID-19 management. Various databases were searched to identify clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports related to favipiravir's effectiveness in COVID-19 treatment.

Result: The findings from the systematic review indicate that favipiravir has shown promise as a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19. Several studies have reported positive outcomes, including reduced viral load, improved clinical symptoms, and shorter hospital stays, when favipiravir was administered to COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, favipiravir appears to hold potential as a repurposed medication for COVID-19 management. Its antiviral activity and promising clinical outcomes make it a candidate for further investigation and incorporation into treatment protocols for COVID-19. However, further randomized controlled trials and larger-scale studies are necessary to establish its definitive role in combatting this pandemic. The evidence-based evaluation provided in this study may aid healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding favipiravir's use as a potential treatment option

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