The Texas Department of Health Services recently shipped an unproven treatment for coronavirus to at least 70 hospitals across the state. Doctors there think hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine might work. But the North Texas Poison Center at Parkland Hospital is concerned some people may try to use them without medical supervision.
Dr. Anelle Menendez, a coordinator with the center, talked with Vital Signs host Sam Baker about the drugs.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Uses for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
They are commonly used in the prophylactic treatment of malaria and, also, to treat it as well. Some other uses nowadays also include autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Any benefits to COVID-19 patients?
The FDA authorized it March 28 as an emergency use for the treatment of COVID-19 under certain conditions. There is only anecdotal, no proven data yet that it works. A lot more research needs to be completed before this can become the actual first line treatment for the virus.
Why the poison center issued an alert warning about the drugs
When used properly and under medical care and at the right dosage, it may very well work, but the problem comes in when you have the public trying to take this in their homes at dosages without any medical care. And that's where we're concerned. Just because you can die from this within one to two hours.
Dangers of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
- When you overdose on this medication, if you take enough, it can be lethal and cause life threatening symptoms within one to two hours of ingesting it.
- It will cause seizures, cardiac and respiratory arrest coma.
- It's a very harsh drug, especially to children. It can be life threatening even in one pill for that child.
RESOURCES:
FDA Warning on Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine
Trump allies put unproven virus drug to work in Texas
Small Chloroquine Study Halted Over Risk of Fatal Heart Complications
