COVID-19 Drugs and Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Matter of Life Threatening And Public Health

Abstract

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has created significant health consequences for the world population. Therapies and drugs are being continuously developed in an effort to implement the most effective treatment. G6PD deficiency is the most prevalent human enzymatic defect, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide, but is infrequently taken into consideration in healthcare practice. Purpose: The aim of this review is collecting and assembling the most relevant information about safety of current drugs and nutraceuticals, proposed or already used for COVID-19 treatment, with regard to G6PD deficient people, in order to know possible drug-induced adverse effects. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed through scientific papers, unsafe drug lists, drug datasheets, drug databases, National Public Health institutional websites. Results: Methylene blue, ozone, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine administration should be avoided in G6PD deficient patients. The other reviewed drugs should be administered at therapeutic doses under medical supervision. Conclusion: The list of drugs and nutraceuticals for use in COVID-19 here provided, usefully brought to Healthcare personnel’s and patients’ awareness before any drug administration, may allow you to avoid or at least manage any possible drug-associated symptoms - particularly hemolytic crisis, which is a potentially fatal risk for G6PD deficient patients.