The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 27th June 2020 has updated the clinical management protocol for managing COVID-19 cases. the protocol suggests use of Dexamethasone as an alternative to Methylprednisolone for treatment of moderate to severe cases.
Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid drug that has long been used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. For patients with progressive deterioration of oxygenation indicators, rapid worsening on imaging and excessive activation of the body’s inflammatory response, glucocorticoids can be used for a short period of time.
As for remdesivir, which is now being made available in the domestic market by Cipla and Hetero, the MoHFW said it was to be used on moderate patients who were on oxygen support. However, children under 12 years of age, pregnant or lactating women, and people with renal impairment are not to be administered the drug. The ministry-recommended dose for remdesivir is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg daily for five days.
Further, the ministry has advised every state/UT to make necessary arrangements for availability and use of the updated protocol and drug Dexamethasone at the institutional level also.
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