Chloroquine: mechanisms of action, side effects and review of studies on its use against SARS-CoV-2

Authors

  • Diogo Martins Ribeiro Licenciado em Educação Física – Faculdade de Educação e Meio Ambiente – FAEMA; e-mail: diogoadmr@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8345-753X
  • Dr. André Tomaz Terra Júnior Faculdade de Educação e Meio Ambiente https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7365-5284
  • Edson Rodrigues Cavalcante Graduado em Biblioteconomia pela Escola de Comunicação e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo (ECA/USP) e Pós em Docência do Ensino Superior, na Universidade Castelo Branco (UCB), e-mail: eds_caval@yahoo.com.br. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0277-8022

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17648/sas.v2i1.47

Keywords:

Hidroxichloroquina, Acute respiratory disease, Pandemic, COVID-19

Abstract

Chloroquine is a 4-aminoquinoline of the class of cationic amphiphilic aggregates that has drawn the attention of the scientific community due to its antiviral effect. Initially used against malaria, this drug and mainly its derivative, Hydroxychloroquine, started to be applied in rheumatological practice and against Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Despite its effect against different viral diseases, it is not yet known whether Chloroquine is effective against COVID-19, a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In order to understand the potential of chloroquine against the new coronavirus, a search for original studies was made in the PubMed database and specifically in Oxford Academic Journals, The New England Journal of Medicine, Springer Nature, Nature Research and JAMA. In vitro studies seem to agree with the benefits of Chloroquine and its derivative, Hydroxychloroquine, against SARS-CoV-2. In vivo studies, however, demonstrate controversial results from both of these drugs regarding the treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19, suggesting the need for further studies.

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Author Biography

Dr. André Tomaz Terra Júnior, Faculdade de Educação e Meio Ambiente

 

 

Published

2020-12-19

How to Cite

Ribeiro, D. M., Terra Júnior, A. T., & Cavalcante, E. R. (2020). Chloroquine: mechanisms of action, side effects and review of studies on its use against SARS-CoV-2. South American Sciences, 2(1), e–2147. https://doi.org/10.17648/sas.v2i1.47

Issue

Section

Revisões de Literatura (Farmácia)

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