From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for COVID-19, based on the latest evidence, involves the use of corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, and anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody therapy, as these have been shown to reduce mortality in hospitalized patients 1.
Treatment Approach
The treatment of COVID-19 depends on the severity of symptoms. For mild cases, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 650mg every 6 hours as needed for fever or pain are recommended.
Hospitalized Patients
For moderate to severe cases requiring hospitalization, treatment may include:
- Remdesivir (typically 200mg IV on day 1, followed by 100mg daily for 2-4 days)
- Dexamethasone (6mg daily for up to 10 days)
- Supplemental oxygen as needed Severe cases might require intensive care with mechanical ventilation.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
Monoclonal antibody treatments may be used in specific situations, though their effectiveness varies with different variants.
Patient Monitoring
Throughout infection, patients should monitor oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter, seeking immediate medical attention if levels drop below 94% or if breathing difficulties develop.
Treatment Goals
Treatment approaches work by either supporting the body's natural healing processes, reducing inflammation that can damage organs, or directly targeting the virus to reduce viral replication.
Recovery Time
Recovery time varies from 1-2 weeks for mild cases to months for severe cases. The use of corticosteroids and anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody therapy is supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1, which found that these treatments have a beneficial effect on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
From the FDA Drug Label
VEKLURY is indicated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults and pediatric patients (birth to less than 18 years of age weighing at least 1.5 kg) who are [see Clinical Studies (14)]: Hospitalized, or Not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
The treatment for Covid-19 is remdesivir (IV), which can be administered to:
- Hospitalized patients
- Non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. The recommended dosage and treatment duration vary based on the patient's condition and weight, as outlined in the dosage and administration section 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for COVID-19
- The treatment of COVID-19 has evolved significantly over time, with various pharmacological agents being used to manage the disease 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Remdesivir is the first antiviral agent approved for the treatment of COVID-19, and it has been shown to reduce recovery time, improve clinical outcomes, and decrease the time to discharge 3.
- Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, have demonstrated mortality benefits in hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19, and their use has become the standard of care for these patients 3.
- Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, has also shown mortality benefits in certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and it is recommended for use in combination with a corticosteroid 3.
- Monoclonal antibody combinations, such as bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab, have received emergency use authorizations for the treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of disease progression 3.
Pharmacological Treatment for Mild to Moderate COVID-19
- A comprehensive review of randomized studies found that various pharmacological agents, including bamlanivimab, nitazoxanide, ivermectin, interferon beta-1, and vitamin D, may be effective in reducing viral load and improving clinical symptoms in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 5.
- Other agents, such as inhaled budesonide, colchicine, and fluvoxamine, may also be beneficial in reducing hospitalizations, improving clinical symptoms, and halting disease progression 5.
Current and Prospective Pharmacotherapies for COVID-19
- Researchers are continuing to investigate various pharmacotherapies for the treatment of COVID-19, including antiviral, immunomodulator, and anticoagulation strategies 6.
- The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has played a crucial role in providing expert treatment guidelines for clinicians, and their recommendations will continue to evolve as new evidence emerges 7.