Hydroxychloroquine-dexamethasone Is Still Suitable For Use By Indonesian COVID-19 Patients, But Cannot Be Arbitrary

JAKARTA - Health experts are still looking for a drug that is safe and able to cure COVID-19. Some time ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to cure malaria, is also known to cure COVID-19.

However, it turned out that the statement was withdrawn by WHO. Then, this drug is allowed to return. In addition, based on research in the UK, the steroid drug dexamethasone is said to help cure critical COVID-19 patients.

Then, how is it used in Indonesia? Expert member of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling of COVID-19, Agus Dwi Susanto, said that currently the two drugs had been used for COVID-19 patients. However, people cannot just use both drugs.

"People are advised not to use it carelessly. The use of this drug is only on the recommendation of a doctor and of course there are already established indications. Do not also buy freely online," said Agus during a discussion at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Monday, June 29.

According to medical association guidelines, the drug hydroxychloroquine can help cure patients who do not have heart disease. This epdoman was generated from a study by 5 medical associations, namely pulmonary, internal medicine, anesthetist, pediatrician, and cardiologist, since last April.

Then, hydroxychloroquine drugs can be given to adults under 50 years of age with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. "Those who cannot be without symptoms," he said.

Then, the drug hydroxychloroquine in children is only given in severe cases and crises with close monitoring. This drug must also be used in inpatients and should not be outpatient or self-isolating.

Because, there are side effects that must be monitored by examinations so that this examination can only be done by the hospital.

"So, both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are still quite safe to use in the population in Indonesia. Due to the preliminary available data, the side effects are mild and do not increase the risk of death," said Agus.

Meanwhile, the drug dexamethasone has also been used in several hospitals in Indonesia. Initially, drugs that were included in this steroid group were not recommended for use in COVID-19 patients.

Some time ago, the latest research results from the UK stated that Dexamethasone had a positive impact on COVID-19 patients. These drugs can reduce mortality.

However, the drug dexamethasone also should not be used carelessly. In practice, patients who can use this drug are patients with severe conditions, or who need a breathing apparatus.

"For patients who are positive with symptoms but mild or moderate without oxygen, it does not have a good impact," said Agus.

"This means that the results of this research show that the usefulness of Dexamethasone is only recommended in heavy patients who use oxygen therapy and use a ventilator or breathing device," he continued.