No drugs are currently approved for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), although some have been tried. In view of recent studies and discussion on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), Singh et al. aimed to review existing literature and relevant websites regarding these drugs and COVID-19, adverse effects related to drugs, and related guidelines.

They systematically searched the PubMed database up till March 21, 2020, and retrieved all the articles published on chloroquine and HCQ and COVID-19.

Two small human studies have been conducted with both these drugs in COVID-19, and have shown significant improvement in some parameters in patients with COVID-19.

Considering minimal risk upon use, a long experience of use in other diseases, cost-effectiveness and easy availability across India, they proposed that both these drugs are worthy of fast track clinical trial for treatment, and maybe carefully considered for clinical use as experimental drugs. Since HCQ has been approved for the treatment of diabetes in India, it should be further researched in diabetes and COVID-19, a subgroup where significant mortality has been shown ¹⁾.