Cardio-Vascular Complications of Hydroxychloroquine Use: Can Impact COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

As the coronavirus pandemic is on the rise, many compounds with anti-viral properties are under investigation. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) being the daily debated daily during this COVID-19 pandemic is an immunomodulatory drug which has been used for indications like malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus and arthritis. Although some researchers have claimed its effectiveness against coronavirus, it results in proarrhythmic effects and drug-induced long QT syndrome. These cardiac issues while using hydroxychloroquine, have limited its use against coronavirus. A literature search was performed, and general safety information of this drug was collected. It can be concluded that this drug leads to cardiovascular events, heart disease, hypotension, tachycardia, and QT interval prolongation, sometimes in combination with other drugs and should be prescribed to the patients only after thoroughly estimating its benefit risk ratio.