Azithromycin in coronavirus disease-19: What we know?

Abstract

Azithromycin (AZM) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It is particularly used in chronic lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung diseases, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis. AZM has not approved for the treatment of viral infections, but some study supported its antiviral activity. Recently, few studies are emphasized used AZM in combination with chloroquine/ hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The present review highlighted uses, dosage, and adverse effects of AZM in COVID-19 based on available literature.