Amid HCQ row, AIIMS Director explains two 'different aspects' of using the anti-malarial drug

Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, Dr Randeep Guleria said that there are higher chances of toxicity if Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) used as part of treatment for severe COVID-19 patients because of multiple drugs being used.

Being asked about his opinion on WHO 'temporarily' suspending clinical trials of HCQ for COVID-19, Dr Guleria said, "There are 2 different aspects, using Hydroxychloroquine as part of treatment for severe COVID-19 patients has higher chance that you may have toxicity because of multiple drugs being used.

And there are certain drugs which along with hydroxychloroquine can increase the chance of cardiac toxicity.

On the other hand, when we are giving it as prophylaxis or in mild illness and giving it alone the chances of side effects are much less.

We, as physicians have been using hydroxychloroquine for almost 30-40 years.

Patients have been using it daily, not for week but for months and years with no side effects.

So, when it is used judiciously, appropriately and not in combination with other drugs where the side effects can become much more, there is good suggestive data that suggests it is useful."