Acute Encephalopathy Due to Polypharmacy Interactions With the Use of Paxlovid: A Case Report

Abstract

Paxlovid is an oral therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. It has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used under the Emergency Use Authorization Act (EUAA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) who are at high-risk for progression to severe COVID-19 and remains under extended review for New Drug Application (NDA). Paxlovid comprises two anti-viral medications: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, which cause significant drug-drug interactions. In this case report, an elderly patient received Paxlovid and had medication interactions with benzodiazepines and narcotics leading to altered mental status.