Table 5.
Mode of action of the selected drugs to be repurposed for COVID-19 and their application in existing diseases.
| Drug | Nature | Mode of Action | Prescribed in Diseases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nafcillin | Pharmaceutical | beta lactamase resistant antibiotic. Bacterial cell wall synthesis inhibitor | Nonspecific lower respiratory tract infection as well as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) |
| Nabumetone | Pharmaceutical | Anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase inhibitor drug. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. | osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis |
| Octacosanol | Nutraceutical | Lowers total cholesterol and break down LDL (low density lipoproteins) or “bad” cholesterol. | High cholesterol, atherosclerosis |
| Cinametic acid | Nutraceutical | ACE(angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. | |
| Lauric acid | Nutraceutical | A medium chain fatty acid which can disrupt viral envelope. Also increases HDL (High density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol. | Influenza |
| Ascorbyl Palmitrate | Nutraceutical | Anti-oxidant. Protects the body against oxidative damage by free radicals. | Vitamin C deficiency |
| Palmidrol | Nutraceutical | Cannabinoid receptor agonist. Lowers the release of inflammatory cytokines and histamine. | Influenza |
| Salmeterol | Pharmaceutical | Beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Helps in the dilation of bronchioles and prevent air passage narrowing induced by mast cell released histamine. | Asthma and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) |
| Guaifenesin | Pharmaceutical | Increase the volume of trachea and bronchi. Aids in the clearance of mucous. | Cough and common cold |