Open AccessLung Delivery Systems to Optimize Pharmacotherapy of COVID-19: A Concise Review
Author(s) -
Mohsen G. Alrashedi,
Ahmed Geza. Alrashedi,
Ahmed Ali,
Ibrahim M. Ibrahim
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of pharmaceutical research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2456-9119
DOI - 10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i43b32552
Subject(s) - medicine , azithromycin , hydroxychloroquine , covid-19 , intensive care medicine , drug , pharmacology , pandemic , adverse effect , pharmacotherapy , coronavirus , antibiotics , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background: COVID-19 is an ongoing viral pandemic caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Several drugs were repurposed for its management; however, most of these drugs were not ideal treatments by traditional methods of administration, whether given by injection or orally. This is due to many reasons including pharmacokinetic limitations or drug-induced adverse effects. There is an urgent need to develop these drugs to target the virus in the lung tissue through inhalation.
Objective: To address the gap in knowledge regarding efficacy and safety of pulmonary drug delivery of repurposed antiviral against COVID-19.
Findings: Ongoing trials for inhalable formulations of several drugs such as Niclosamide; Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, and Azithromycin among others showed promising results.
Conclusion: The development of pharmaceutical forms for inhaled administration of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs is an important direction that needs more attention to achieve the optimal management of respiratory infectious diseases.