Plausible mechanism of drug resistance and side-effects of COVID-19 therapeutics: a bottleneck for its eradication

Background COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down by meddling with our normal lives. While there is no definitive drug against SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs that are already in the market, are being repurposed against it, could now complete long-term as well as all age-specific investigations, and they are successful in saving millions of lives. Nevertheless, side-effects are emergingly seen in the patients undergoing treatment, and ineffectiveness is increasingly found due to the emerging notorious variants of the virus. Many of them are also facing serious co-infections including black fungus, Zika, and H1N1 virus to name a few. Objectives Therefore, this review highlights both drug resistance, their side-effects, and the significance for proper and long-term clinical trials of all age groups including children. Methods We have explored and proposed the mechanisms of drug resistance that may arise due to the misuse or overuse of drugs based on available experimental reports. Results The review provides solutions to the aforesaid issues of drug-resistance and side-effects by providing combination therapies, ancillary treatments, and other preventive strategies that can be useful in preventing drawbacks thereby curbing COVID-19 or similar future infections to maintain our normal lives. Conclusion COVID-19 and its long-term effects, if any, can be eradicated with strategic and mindful use of related therapeutics in a controlled manner. Graphical abstract