To keep a tab onCovid-19 cases in India (nearly 500 on Tuesday morning) from escalating further, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has endorsed hydroxy-chloroquine as a preventive medication for high-risk population. This encompasses asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases. The protocol recommended by the National Task Force for COVID-19 constituted by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has been given the go-ahead by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for restricted use in emergency situations.
“Hydroxy-chloroquine is found to be effective against coronavirus in laboratory studies and in-vivo studies. Its use in prophylaxis is derived from the available evidence of benefit as treatment and supported by preclinical data,” the advisory stated. It also said the drug has to be given only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. The medication is, however, recommended for prophylaxis in children under 15 years of age.
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