Title:Antibiotics with Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Potential Against
Covid-19: A Review
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Banafshe Abadi, Mehran Ilaghi, Yasamin Shahsavani, Mahsa Faramarzpour, Mohammad Bagher Oghazian and Hamid-Reza Rahimi*
Affiliation:
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of
Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, antibiotics, SARS-CoV-2, pneumonia, co-infection, antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract: In Covid-19 cases, elderly patients in long-term care facilities, children younger than
five years with moderate symptoms, and patients admitted to ICU or with comorbidities are at a
high risk of coinfection, as suggested by the evidence. Thus, in these patients, antibiotic therapy
based on empirical evidence is necessary. Finding appropriate antimicrobial agents, especially with
antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, is a promising approach to target the virus and its complications,
hyper-inflammation, and microorganisms resulting in co-infection. Moreover, indiscriminate
use of antibiotics can be accompanied by Clostridioides difficile colitis, the emergence of resistant
microorganisms, and adverse drug reactions, particularly kidney damage and QT prolongation.
Therefore, rational administration of efficient antibiotics is an important issue. The main objective
of the present review is to provide a summary of antibiotics with possible antiviral activity
against SARS-CoV-2 and anti-immunomodulatory effects to guide scientists for further research.
Besides, the findings can help health professionals in the rational prescription of antibiotics in
Covid-19 patients with a high risk of co-infection.