Recommendation for empiric use of hydroxy-chloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2

Indian Council for Medical Research ^ | 23 March 2020 | Dodger

[dodger]

See also: https://icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/HCQ_Recommendation_22March_final_MM_V2.pdf

The Indian Council for Medical Research via its National Taskforce for COVID-19 recommends the use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection for selected individuals as follows: Eligible individuals:

 Asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19

 Asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases

[dodger]

Quite sensible public health policy amid 'wartime' conditions.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Not sure I would use antibiotics on asymptomatic people.

Let’s bring on the C-Diff instead!

[dodger]

HQ is not a bacterial antibiotic.

[irishjuggler]

It’s not uncommon for travelers to sub-Saharan Africa to take anti-malarial drugs as prophylaxis. Somewhat analogous situation.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Zithromax is.

[bert]

Atabrine

[thenewsblogger]

Very cool! Thank you!

[Black Agnes]

Find Zithromax in that post.

(it’s not there).

[Wonder Warthog]

"Not sure I would use antibiotics on asymptomatic people."

It's not an antibiotic, it is an anti-malarial, and has been used as a malarial prophylaxis safely since 1955.

Ask any Vietnam vet.

[rdl6989]

There was a thread here last night, which I can’t find now, saying a combination of these two drugs and another one might cure it.

[Black Agnes]

Yeah. That’s the protocol if you’re already infected. The hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin.

This is a preventative protocol. To keep medicos and first reponders from getting it. This protocol is only the hydroxychloroquine.

[dodger]

Find Zithromax in that post. (it’s not there).

Thank you for actually reading the item!

[Tellurian]

This doesn't make sense. Asymptomatic people taking HCQ may not get the disease, which is fine, but they probably won't develop any immunity to it either. They'll have to take HCQ for life to avoid it.

It should only be given as a booster to people who have tested positive and who's immune systems have identified it and those systems are already rallying against it.

[Wonder Warthog]

"This doesn't make sense. Asymptomatic people taking HCQ may not get the disease, which is fine, but they probably won't develop any immunity to it either. They'll have to take HCQ for life to avoid it."

It makes perfect sense. It protects critical personnel (doctors and nurses) who might be exposed and keeps them well. Soon, there will be a vaccine (or more than one).

[Mom MD]

hydroxychloroquine is not an antibiotic

[Black Agnes]

You’re welcome.

[onona]

I checked this out earlier today, the list of potential side effects, kind of scary.

But, when faced with the alternatives..........

[Mouton]

Quinine was Widely used in SW Pacific during WWII as a prophylactic against malaria. Inasmuch as that is a disease not a virus I wonder how it quells this blasted nuisance. In any event, I intend to quaff a few gin and tonics over the next few weeks. Got to be careful to use the diet variety or these drinks will turn me into a balloon.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Indian Indian. Not Amer-Indian.

[politicianslie]

How does a Malaria medicine attack a virus?

In short, it allows Zinc to be able to penetrate cell walls which interrupts the replication of the virus. Normally, Zinc stays outside and is thus not as effective.

Put the two together and voila!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7F1cnWup9M