Azithromycin for COVID-19: More Than Just an Antimicrobial?

Most of them evaluate established antiviral drugs such as lopinavir/ritonavir, and chloroquine (CQ) or its derivative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which have shown in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 [2]. Because SARS coronavirus infections are known to induce inflammation and subsequent tissue damage in the lungs in moderate-to-severe cases [3], using immunomodulating drugs could provide a benefit in the treatment of COVID-19. [...]AZM could allow a sufficient memory T-cell count to be maintained and a better immunization. The arrhythmogenic potential of AZM appears to be lower than that of other macrolides [40]. [...]the risk of interactions with other drugs that prolong the QT interval is arguably lower as well. [...]there are several arguments supporting a potential effectiveness of AZM in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including its antiviral activity and immunomodulatory effects.