Information about the antiviral drug Molnupiravir to treat COVID-19

This is an automatically translated article.

Article by Clinical Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Molnupiravir is a drug indicated for the treatment of adults with Covid-19 infection. The drug inhibits the replication of the SARS-COV2 virus in the body. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid unwanted side effects, patients need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.

1. What is Molnupiravir and how does it work?

Molnupiravir drug inhibits the replication of SARS-COV2 virus in the body. Research shows that the drug reduces the risk of progression to severe complications caused by the SARS-COV2 virus, such as hospitalization and death.

2. Who is Molnupiravir used for?

Molnupiravir is used in adult COVID-19 patients 18 years of age and older with mild to moderate disease and at least one risk factor for severe disease progression.
Molnupiravir 400mg or other strength should not be used for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis with COVID-19. The use of molnupiravir is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.

3. How to use Molnupiravir?

Molnupiravir used within 5 days of symptom onset or positive test result for SARS-COV2 virus. Patients requiring hospitalization who have been previously treated with molnupiravir may continue to take the drug to complete a 5-day regimen at the discretion of the treating physician.
Usual dose: 800 mg/time, orally x 2 times/day, duration of treatment: 5 days. Molnupiravir is used after eating, the patient should pay attention to take the whole pill, do not chew or open the capsule cap. Besides, the patient should pay attention not to forget or skip the dose. Take the full course of medication prescribed, even if symptoms improve.


Thuốc Molnupiravir có tác dụng ức chế sự nhân lên của virus SARS-COV2 trong cơ thể
Thuốc Molnupiravir có tác dụng ức chế sự nhân lên của virus SARS-COV2 trong cơ thể

4. In what cases should Molnupiravir not be used?

Molnupiravir is not recommended for pregnant women, lactating women, children under 18 years old due to concerns about the risk of toxicity on the fetus, on bones and cartilage of the drug.
Women of childbearing potential, women of childbearing age should use appropriate contraception during treatment and for 4 days after taking the last dose of Molnupiravir. Men of reproductive age should use appropriate contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of monulpiravir.
Lactation: Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of molnupiravir.

5. Is isolation necessary after treatment with molnupiravir?

After completing the treatment course, the patient still needs to continue to implement isolation and disinfection measures: wearing a mask, social distancing, not sharing personal items, cleaning and disinfecting contact surfaces, wash hands frequently.

6. What side effects can Molnupiravir cause?

Side effects that some people may experience while using Molnupiravir include: diarrhea, nausea, dizziness.
A few people experience symptoms such as rash, peeling skin, blisters, wheezing, chest heaviness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue and throat... If any of the above symptoms are present, the patient should immediately notify the doctor for treatment instructions.


Hãy thông báo với bác sĩ những tác dụng phụ mà bạn gặp phải khi dùng thuốc Molnupiravir
Hãy thông báo với bác sĩ những tác dụng phụ mà bạn gặp phải khi dùng thuốc Molnupiravir

7. If I forget to take a dose of Molnupiravir, how do I handle it?

If you forget to take a dose of Molnupiravir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
If the missed dose is more than 10 hours past the due date, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose as usual. Do not take 2 doses at the same time and do not arbitrarily add drugs or change the dosage as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Molnupiravir is a drug indicated for the treatment of adults with Covid-19 infection. The drug inhibits the replication of the SARS-COV2 virus in the body. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid unwanted side effects, patients need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist.

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Reference source: Ministry of Health

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