Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine in Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19

The document reviewed the potential use of chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 treatment and prophylaxis, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to recommend these drugs for COVID-19 treatment. Despite initial interest due to their antiviral properties and low cost, evidence supporting their efficacy was limited and conflicting. Safety concerns, particularly cardiovascular risks like long QT syndrome, led the US FDA to caution against their use outside hospital settings and eventually withdraw emergency use authorization. The document highlighted the need for more robust clinical trials, such as the ORCHID study with over 500 participants, to determine the safety and efficacy of these drugs in COVID-19 management.