This Month in Psychopharmacology

FDA Cautions Against Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine for COVID-19 Outside of the Hospital Setting or a Clinical Trial Due to Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced warnings against the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for treating or preventing SARS beta-coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) infection. Hydroxyquinoline is FDA-approved for the treatment of malaria and some autoimmune conditions but has not been adequately tested or approved for the treatment of COVID-19 and may have very serious adverse effects including QT interval prolongation and ventricular tachycardia. The FDA did issue an Emergency Use Authorization for hydroquinolone in COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized or in clinical trials (where they are continuously monitored) but cautions that outpatients should not be treated or self-medicate with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.

Reference:

>> Read the full FDA Medical Product Safety Information


For more information:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is Temporarily Waiving Restrictions on Medicare Telehealth Services
COVID-19 Pandemic Resources for Mental Healthcare Providers