For the first time in India in the treatment of coronavirus infection on two Italian patients, SMS hospital doctors in Jaipur have administrated the combination of anti-HIV drugs, lopinavir and ritonavir medications.

The India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) received an emergency approval from Central Drug Control Organizationfor limited use of combination of the anti-HIV medications for the treatment of coronavirus patients in India.

Medical Superintendent of SMS Hospital in Jaipur, Dr DS Meena told ANI that standard protocols by ICMR to administer the combination anti-HIV medications, lopinavir and ritonavir are followed. Till now, they have used the combination only on Italian couple after taking the couple’s consent. They are fine and stable.

A senior doctor said that the Italian woman has tested negative and her condition has improved while her husband is still positive and on non-invasive ventilation support. He is a chronic smoker hence causing little difficulty.

Earlier in India, three medical students who had returned to Kerala from China were confirmed positive with COVID-19. But, they had recovered by symptomatic treatment without anti-HIV combination medications and were discharged from hospital.

Source: ET Healthworld