Review of Anti-inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Drugs Used in COVID-19 Epidemic

Immunosuppressive drugs are classified into different groups depending on the mechanism of action and are used in the control of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Considering the possibility of severe inflammatory complications such as acute respiratory failure and cytokine storm in the patients with COVID-19, there is a need to review the updated data on the effectiveness and side effects of administering these drugs in patients. In the present article, along with the brief introduction of different categories of immunosuppressive medications, positive and negative effects of using these drugs in corona patients have been discussed.

Taken together, it seems that the administration of immunosuppressive drugs has positive effects on COVID-19 patients. Reduced need for mechanical ventilation, decreased admission to the intensive care unit, promotion of acute symptoms, and decreased mortality rate, especially in critically ill patients are some of these advantages. However, the possibility of treatment prolongation and increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections should be kept in mind. Maintaining a balance in the doses and duration of immunosuppressant drugs might diminish their adverse effects.