Table 1: Drugs and biological products used for the treatment of patients with COVID-19
Drug	Pharmacology	Dose	Outcome	Side-effects
Convalescent plasma	Polyclonal antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.67	200–600 mL.	Reduces mortality Increases viral clearance Improve the clinical condition in COVID-19 patients	Transfusion-associated circulatory overload Transfusion-related lung injury Severe allergic reactions Rash
Remdesivir	Nucleoside analog prodrug that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase leading to inhibition of viral replication.72	200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg daily for the rest of the treatment period.77 Length of treatment differed between trials.77	Significantly reduced time-to-recovery compared to placebo (11 vs 15 days, p<0.001).79 There was also a modest increase in survival (mortality at 14 days 8.0% vs 11.6%, p=0.059).79 The US FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for use of remdesivir for COVID-19.79	One patient in the study by Wang, et al, was noted to have had a cardiac arrest.78 Individual cases of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and septic shock were reported.78 Multiple reports of liver enzyme abnormalities in the study by Wang, et al .78 Reports of ARDS have also been reported; 16 patients experienced this outcome during treatment in the study by Wang, et al, which led to discontinuation in seven patients.78
Dexamethasone	Inhibition of inflammation to control the hyperactive uninhibited maladaptive immune response believed to be contributing to the cytokine storm, ARDS and multiorgan failure in COVID-19 patients.80	20 mg iv daily for 5 days, followed by 10 mg daily for 5 days or until ICU discharge.81 6 mg iv or orally up to 10 days.82	Significant reduction in the mean ventilator-free days in the dexamethasone group compared to the standard care group (p=0.04).81 Significant lower 28-day mortality (p<0.001).82	Dexamethasone was not associated with increased risk of adverse events in critically ill COVID-19 patients.81,82 This includes need for insulin use for hyperglycemia, infection rate, and bacteremia.81
Tocilizumab	Monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor.83	Dose and number of doses varied per Zhao meta-analysis83 Most studies 400–800 mg per dose 8 mg/kg (max 800 mg per dose) Number of doses: 1–3	Studies suggested a benefit, including significant difference in mortality,83,84 and improve patients’ clinical status.85 Others showed no reduction in mortality or clinical status improvement.86	No obvious adverse events reported.85,86