Molnupiravir: Oral COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment
Molnupiravir is an oral direct-acting antiviral agent developed specifically for the treatment of COVID-19. Its mechanism of action is unique: it acts as a ribonucleoside analog that induces "error catastrophe" during viral RNA replication. The accumulation of copying errors renders the virus non-viable and halts its proliferation.
The drug helps prevent the progression to severe disease and reduces the risk of hospitalization. On Unifarm, you can find a list of medications (including Lagevrio and generics) containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Mild to Moderate COVID-19: In adult patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.
- High-Risk Patients: Prescribed for individuals with at least one risk factor for developing severe illness (e.g., elderly age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, heart disease).
Dosage and administration
The medication comes in capsules and is taken orally. Treatment must be initiated as soon as possible (within 5 days) of symptom onset.
Standard Regimen:
- Single Dose: 800 mg (typically four 200 mg capsules).
- Frequency: Every 12 hours for 5 days.
- Can be taken with or without food; capsules should be swallowed whole with water.
- Pregnancy (Strictly Prohibited): The drug has mutagenic potential and may cause fetal harm.
- Breastfeeding (should be discontinued during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose).
- Children under 18 years: May affect bone and cartilage growth.
- Hypersensitivity to Molnupiravir.
- Effective contraception is recommended for women and men of reproductive potential during treatment and for a period after (up to 3 months for men).
Molnupiravir is generally well-tolerated. The most common adverse reactions (mild to moderate) include:
- Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea.
- Nervous System: Dizziness, headache.
- Skin: Rash, urticaria (rare).
