Paxlovid Tablet is an oral antiviral drug developed by Pfizer for the treatment of moderate to severe corona virus disease otherwise known as covid-19.
It contains Nirmatrelvir as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. It also contains inert ingredients called excipients in sufficient quantities.
Paxlovid is used together with a low dose ritonavir to reduce the rate of Nirmatrelvir metabolism in the body as noted above.
Scientifically speaking, Paxlovid is an investigational SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitor antiviral therapy.
Results from those who took it shows that it reduces hospitalization and death significantly.
The analysis was a controlled blind randomised trial. Patients who did not take Paxlovid Tablets but placebo all died of Covid 19 disease.
Paxlovid is specifically designed to be administered orally so that it can be prescribed at the first sign of infection or at first awareness of an exposure, potentially helping patients avoid severe illness which can lead to hospitalization and death.
From the above statement, you will note that the target usage not only for treatment but as a post exposure prophylaxis.
Their are other ongoing trial to determine if it will be a good candidate when used prophylactically.
Uses of Paxlovid Tablet
Paxlovid Tablets are used orally for the treatment of mild to moderate corona virus disease (covid-19).
This includes all known variants of the disease including Omicron Covid 19 Variant.
It is used together with another generic antiviral agent called ritonavir. The dosing is discussed under dosage.
How does Paxlovid Tablets work?
Paxlovid code named PF-07321332 is designed to inhibit the activity of the SARS-CoV-2-3CL protease.
Protease is an enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate. Paxlovid inhibition of viral replication occurs at a stage known as proteolysis, which occurs before viral RNA replication.
To slow down the breakdown of Paxlovid in the body after administration, another drug called ritonavir is given together with it.
This action makes Paxlovid to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentration to help fight Corona virus responsible for Covid 19 disease.
Dosage
Paxlovid is administered as three tablets (two tablets of nirmatrelvir and one tablet of ritonavir) taken together by mouth 12 hourly for five days.
Duration of treatment is 5 days. Paxlovid is not authorized for use for longer than five consecutive days.
How to take Paxlovid Tablet
Result from a study done on Paxlovid by Pfizer shows that it is better taken immediately one is diagnosed of Covid 19 disease.
According to the result, Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% when taken within three days of first symptoms of illness.
When taken within five days, the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 88%.
Even though the difference in the both results is not significant, it is still better to start treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the better.
Side Effects of Paxlovid Tablet
Possible side effects of Paxlovid include impaired sense of taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure and muscle aches.
There may be more side effects to be reported as more people take the drug.
Contraindications of Paxlovid
Paxlovid is not recommended in patients with severe kidney or severe liver impairment
Price of Paxlovid Tablet
Prices of drugs vary from place to place. Paxlovid costs approximately $530 to $700 per course.
Where to buy Paxlovid Tablet
You can buy Paxlovid Tablet in any registered pharmacy that stocks it. Your doctor will let you know of pharmacies that have the drug stocked.
Please note that you will need a valid prescription to be able to buy it.
For more information about this drug, please see Pfizer’s press release on Paxlovid
See also:
Nirmatrelvir Chemical Structure
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