Hydroxy-Chloroquine: Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria and not a Silver Bullet versus COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The world has been facing the pandemic COVID-19. This article highlights the importance of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Chloroquine (CQ) in the chemoprophylaxis of malaria during the pandemic COVID-19.

Objective: To derive logical conclusion about the indicated use of HCQ/CQ in malaria during the pandemic COVID-19.

Methods: Relevant research articles were retrieved. The online reports, research articles from google, google scholar and PubMed databases were searched and analyzed.

Results: HCQ and CQ are indicated for Malaria and its prophylaxis. The drugs are not silver bullets versus the COVID-19. The available clinical data till the end of July 2020 can be sufficient for the health authorities of various countries to stop using HCQ/CQ to treat COVID-19 patients.  The drugs are indicated for malaria instead. Malaria, a potentially deadly parasitic disease in the poorest countries which cannot even afford its preventive measures with HCQ/CQ and other drugs. Misuse of available drugs of Malaria can worsen the disease in the Africa and some Asian countries. The World Health Organization has recommended continuing chemo-prophylactic efforts for malaria during the COVID-19 crisis. Malaria and COVID-19 have certain common symptoms such as fever, headache and body pain which doubles the risk through misleading diagnosis by considering COVID-19 patients as malaria patients and vice versa. WHO has recommended the mass distribution of antimalarial drugs for these counties, so that malaria could not make COVID-19 more deadly.

Conclusion: Use of CQ/HCQ may be continued for the chemoprophylaxis of Malaria during the pandemic COVID-19 and the drugs may not be considered as Silver bullet for COVID-19. Directions of FDA and WHO may be complied regarding use of CQ/HCQ.