Search

Copyright of Comunicar (English Edition) is the property of Oxbridge Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Responsible for the disease COVID-19, the new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, was discovered in China. Its rapid spread caused astonishment and concern in the population, and it ended up causing one of the largest pandemics ever recorded in history. Some professionals suggest using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine, medicines that have been used to fight various diseases for more than 70 years, to treat this infection. Their effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 has not been confirmed, though. Objectives: This study aims to collect information in the scientific literature on the risks and benefits of the drugs Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine used as drug therapy for patients affected by the disease. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, on three online databases (LILACS, SCIELO, and PUBMED) to describe the effects of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine when used in the treatment of the disease, allowing the critical evaluation of certain knowledge on the subject, and gathering multiple studies and their main outcomes. Results: Ten scientific studies on the theme were analyzed, focusing on the relationship between risks and benefits that the medicines Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine, associated or not with other medicines may present in the fight against the infection. In vitro data showed promising results regarding the use of the drugs, but the medicines did not demonstrate efficiency in combating COVID-19 when used in patients. Final considerations: The use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19 proves to be ineffective and it brings risks for those who use them. There is an agreement regarding the need for caution now, emphasizing heart risk to the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]