ANTIVIRAL DRUGS IN THE TREATMENT FOR COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. Covid-19 is an infectious contagious disease of viral etiology caused by SARS-COv-2. Covid-19 is a highly infectious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The management of Covid-19 presents significant challenges, and the decision regarding the level of medical care provided, whether in outpatient or hospital settings, relies primarily on the clinical assessment of the patient's condition. The aim of this paper is to review and analyze the pharmacological properties of antiviral drugs used in the treatment regimens for Covid-19. Materials and Methods: In this research, internet resources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and CrossRef were utilized. The focus was on providing an up-to-date review of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of antiviral drugs used in the treatment of Covid-19. Monlupiravir is an antiviral prodrug with activity against SARS-CoV-2. It is prescribed for patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at high risk of developing severe forms of the disease or death. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Remdesivir is a direct-acting antiviral drug that inhibits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and it is indicated for seriously ill Covid-19 patients with pneumonia requiring oxygen therapy, as well as for patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, immunosuppressive conditions, and renal failure. Favipiravin is a direct-acting synthetic antiviral drug, selective RNA polymerase inhibitor, which is indicated for the treatment of moderate and severe COVID-19, pandemic infections caused by influenza virus, and also when other drugs are ineffective. Lopinavir/ritonavir is a combination drug, a protease inhibitor, which is used in the treatment charts for seriously ill patients with COVID-19. Conclusion. The search for effective etiotropic drugs for treatment of patients with COVID-19 is still continuing. Monlupiravir, ribavirin, remdesivir, favipiravin, plitidepsin, lopinavir / ritonavir are used for treatment. Mechanism of drugs’ action, peculiarities of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, possible side effects, dosage forms are required for the choice of the drug. Favipiravir is a synthetic antiviral drug that acts as a selective RNA polymerase inhibitor. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Covid-19, as well as for pandemic influenza infections when other drugs are ineffective. Lopinavir/ritonavir is a combination drug and a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of severely ill patients with Covid-19.