From the Frontline of COVID-19: Clinician Perspectives on Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Toxicity

Treatment approaches to COVID-19 are rapidly changing, often based on data that are based on case reports and studies that are poorly designed and not adequately powered.  There has been an increased interest in the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment based on COVID-19 based on studies where they have been found to be efficient on SARS-CoV-2.  This weekend, the FDA has approved the use of these two anti-malaria drugs to treat patients infected by the new coronavirus. While clinical trials are needed to provide scientific evidence that these treatments are effective and safe, pharmacists are starting to see patients taking these medications, often without a prescription and with no regard to dosing regimen and concurrent medication regimens. We chat with Bryan Hayes on the management of patients who present to the ED who may have taken toxic doses of these agents.