Remdesivir-COVID-19: drug interactions in dentistry

G. Gómez-Moreno

Department of Medically Compromised Patients in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. ggomez@ugr.es

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• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: Remdesivir is a nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases. It has been recognized recently as a promising antiviral drug against a wide array of RNA viruses (including SARS/MERS-CoV5). We aimed at determining which drugs used in dentistry interact with Remdesivir in order to avoid adverse reactions that may worsen the condition of patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted to identify potential drug interactions between remdesivir (used in the treatment of COVID-19) and drugs prescribed in dentistry. The search was made in the databases PubMed and MEDLINE and official websites using key terms remdesivir, drug interactions and dentistry for articles published up to 31st July 2020.

RESULTS: According to the articles reviewed, a total of 279 drugs interact with Remdesivir. Two major interactions have been reported, 277 moderate drug interactions, and one with alcohol/food. The drug interactions involving drugs prescribed in dentistry are all moderate drug interactions and are (according to drug group): (1) antibiotics: azithromycin, clavulanate, doxycycline, erythromycin, levofloxacin; (2) antifungals: clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole; (3) non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NAIDS): celecoxib diclofenac, etodolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, mefenamic acid, naproxen, piroxicam.

CONCLUSIONS: It is clinically necessary for oral health professionals to be aware of possible drug interactions that may occur between remdesivir and drugs commonly prescribed in dentistry in order to prevent adverse reactions that may even endanger the life of a patient with COVID-19.

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