Spironolactone: An Anti-androgenic and Anti-hypertensive Drug That May Provide Protection Against the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19

The document from July 28, 2020, explores the theoretical benefits of spironolactone, a drug commonly used for its anti-androgenic and anti-hypertensive properties, in protecting against Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients. It highlights spironolactone's potential to modulate ACE2 expression, which is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into cells, and to reduce TMPRSS2 expression, which also facilitates viral entry. Furthermore, the drug's anti-inflammatory effects could help reduce lung damage. The authors suggest that spironolactone could be a viable option for prophylactic and early treatment of COVID-19 due to its safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and long-standing use. However, the document does not present any study data to support these claims, instead offering a hypothesis based on the drug's known pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.