TABLE 3.
Possible characteristics of volatile and aerosolized molecules for COVID‐19
| Volatile molecules for COVID‐19 | Aerosolized molecules for COVID‐19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Small molecules | |
| High lipophily | Any molecules | |
| High vapor pressure | Ad hoc formulation | |
| Virucidal properties at lower toxic concentration | No toxic at therapeutic concentration | |
| No toxic at therapeutic concentration | ||
| Advantages | Oral administration | |
| Lung exhalation and tropism for lower respiratory tract | Faster onset of action | |
| Easy formulation and production | Delivery on the lung | |
| Cheap preparation | Diminished first pass metabolism | |
| Deeper delivery in lungs | ||
| Possible indications | Initial stages of viral pneumonia | Initial stages of viral pneumonia |
| Prophylaxis | Prophylaxis | |
| In association with other therapies | In association with other therapies | |
| Contraindications | First pass metabolism | Costly preparations |
| Contraindicated for children | Difficulties on formulations | |
| Risk of cross‐contamination | ||
| Toxicity of some propellants |