Coronavirus update: ICMR removes Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine from treatment list
Coronavirus update: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Covid-19 National Task Force Joint Monitoring Group dropped the usage of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) drugs from the revised clinical guidelines for the management of adult patients.
After reviewing the update on coronavirus, the ICMR new guidelines, however, mention the use of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab in specific circumstances. Among the key guidelines which are routinely stressed include--wearing masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene.
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Suggesting a moderate use of other drugs such as Remedesivir, the guideline advises the former to be used only in select moderate or severe Covid-19 patients on supplemental oxygen within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.
For the use of Tocilizumab, the guidelines said the medicine be used only for severe Covid-19 patients, preferably within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of severe disease or ICU admission. Those with mild infection must maintain physical distancing, indoor mask use, strict hand hygiene.
Symptomatic patients may take antipyretic, antitussive and multivitamins and asked to seek immediate medical attention if they experience difficulty in breathing or high-grade fever or severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than five.
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People with moderate disease with SpO2 level 92-96 per cent (88-92 per cent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may take Methylprednisolone injection and Anticoagulation medicine. They should work on breathing and change in oxygen requirement.
For severe infection, the guideline suggests using NIV (helmet or face mask interface depending on availability) in patients with increasing oxygen requirement, if work of breathing is low.
