THE ROLE OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IN THE TREATMENT OF HIV AND COVID-19: A REVIEW

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) which is an antimalarial drug also used widely in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is less toxic and more soluble metabolite of chloroquine. HCQ is widely available and affordable drug. Potential mechanism of action of HCQ against COVID-19 have been postulated. According to the collected data of activities of HCQ, there are the indications of treatment of infectious disease such as COVID-19 and in the improvement of insulin sensitivity because these drug have effect on some cellular process that impact on viruses. A number of clinical trials are undergoing HIV treatment with arthritis case study is also included in the report. In this review we present a case report of hydroxychloroquine overdose. Precaution which may be taken during the treatment with HCQ are included. Overdose effect of the drug are rare, but lethal. Toxic effects such as retinopathy and genotoxicity are also listed.