Generic
Molnupiravir
11 brands available in the market
At a glance
Molnupiravir is an antiviral medicine used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults at risk for developing severe illness.
Description
Molnupiravir is an orally active antiviral drug that introduces copying errors during viral RNA replication including SARS-CoV-2. It is a prodrug of the synthetic nucleoside derivative N4-hydroxycytidine and stops viral replication.
Indications
- Mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults
- Treatment in patients at risk for severe illness
Therapeutic class
Anti-viral drugs
Pharmacological class
Antiviral
Pharmacology
Molnupiravir is a prodrug that is converted to N-hydroxycytidine. It introduces copying errors during viral RNA replication causing lethal mutations and stopping viral replication.
Mechanism of action
Stops viral replication by introducing errors in viral RNA replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Recommended Dose: 200 mg capsules (4 capsules) every 12 hours (total 800 mg/dose)
- Treatment Duration: 5 days
- Total Dose: 40 capsules (5 days × 8 capsules/day)
Child Dose: <18 years: Safety and efficacy not established.
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow capsules whole
- Take at the same time each day
- Complete full 5-day course
Missed dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember; skip if its almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
Precautions & warnings
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
- Contraindicated during lactation
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after last dose
- Do not use in patients under 18 years
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Molnupiravir
Drug interactions
No significant drug interactions identified currently.
Food interactions
Food interaction not applicable.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe. Not recommended during pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after last dose.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unsafe. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after last dose.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children under 18 years.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment for elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information available.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information available.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available. Symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at or below 25°C away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Molnupiravir