Drugs for COVID-19: Revealing Mechanisms of Action, Adverse Reactions, and Solutions

Abstract

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly transmissible, easily spreadable, and characterized by multiple pathologies. To date, the virus has undergone many mutations, and control measures have declined in various countries; however, secondary infection is still a risk, and the use of drugs remains an effective treatment for infectious diseases. Since the pandemic, studies have explored and summarized a variety of drugs for clinical treatment. Minor adverse reactions (and, in some cases, serious life-threatening adverse reactions) may occur during treatment, and a variety of factors (such as the nature of the drug, the patient’s constitution, and the medication regimen) may affect the likelihood of these adverse events. This article summarizes the mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and solutions of drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19; in addition, it describes the problems that recent studies have encountered to provide references for future research on the clinical use of drugs and medication regimens.
Am J Transl Med 2023. 7(2): 92-109