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The Union Health Ministry’s Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) revised guidelines, on management of COVID-19 pandemic takes a turn on dropping the use of all the medications except for antitussive and antipyretic, for mild and asymptomatic cases.
WHAT MEDICINE IS DROPPED AND WHAT IS IN USE
The decision comes into effect when the country is witnessing dip in COVID-19 cases. This revised guideline of COVID-19 drops down the use of all the drugs being prescribed by the doctors to treat mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 patients retaining only antitussive for cold symptoms and antipyretic for fever. These drugs in particular includes – zinc, hydroxychloroquine, doxycycline, ivermectin, multivitamins et cetera.
MORE FROM THE GUIDELINES
The revised guidelines also encourages the medical practitioners to avoid unnecessary tests like CT scan to the affected victims.
Moreover, the guidelines stresses much on following the protocols like wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and strictly using sanitizers. It also advises people who experience any kind of symptoms of COVID-19, mild or strong, to seek teleconsultation and maintain a healthy balanced diet.
The patients and their families are also preferred to stay connected and involved in positive talks
WHICH SYMPTOMS REQUIRES MEDICATION
No medication is required in asymptomatic cases, except for those with comorbidities who need to continue their prescribes medications.
Whereas, in mild cases the guidelines recommends of self-monitoring – fever, breathlessness, worsening of any symptoms or oxygen saturation (SpO2).
For symptomatic relief, it suggests to take anti-tussive and antipyretic if required, and inhalation of budesonide at a dose of 800 mcg given twice a day for 5 days for cough via metered-dose inhaler with spaced device.
The patient should be investigated further if symptoms deteriorate or persists. No other specific medications for COVID-19 is required.