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. 2020 May 16;38(7):1549.e3–1549.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.05.024

Table 2.

Medications and the nervous system.

Medication Mechanism Neurologic effects and medication interactions
Remdesivir Nucleotide-analog inhibitor of RNA polymerases
  • -

    Unknown
Ribavirin RNA and DNA virus replication inhibitor
  • -

    Interacts with anticoagulants

  • -

    Neuropathy
Lopinavir/Ritonavir Lopinavir inhibits protease
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A metabolism
  • -

    Interacts with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, statins

  • -

    Cognitive and motor disturbances
Favipiravir Inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerases
  • -

    Interacts with anticoagulants, statins, antiarrhythmics
Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Endosomal/organelle pH modifications
  • -

    Neuropsychiatric side effects

  • -

    Ataxia, seizures
Azithromycin Binds to 50s ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis
  • -

    Interacts with anticoagulants, statins, antiarrhythmics
Interferon Activates immune system
  • -

    Neuropsychiatric side effects

  • -

    Retinopathy

  • -

    Neuropathy
Methylprednisolone Inflammation reduction
  • -

    Interacts with anticoagulants

  • -

    Delirium
Tocilizumab IL-6 inhibitor
  • -

    May increase medication metabolism (e.g., statins)

RNA, ribonucleic acid; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; IL, interleukin.