Molnupiravir
About Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral medicine used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at a high risk of developing severe illness. It helps prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and may reduce the risk of hospitalisation or severe disease when started early in eligible patients. This medicine is prescribed for people who have recently tested positive and are experiencing early symptoms.
It is highly important to take Molnupiravir twice daily for a continuous five-day period, even if you start feeling better sooner. You should take this medicine consistently at the same time each day to keep a steady amount of it in your body. You can take this oral medicine with or without food. Resting well, staying isolated, and drinking plenty of water during your recovery will help support your body's immune system.
Some people may experience mild side effects while taking this medicine, such as diarrhoea, nausea, or feeling dizzy. If you experience severe allergic reactions, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face and throat, stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical help immediately.
Do not take this if you are pregnant, as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. It is also not meant for children or teenagers under 18 years old because its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group, and animal studies have raised concerns about possible effects on bone and cartilage growth. Talk to your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney or liver conditions before starting this treatment.
Although there are a few known major drug interactions, you must tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking. Do not drink alcohol or smoke during your recovery, as these can weaken your immune system and worsen symptoms like dizziness. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, you must consult your doctor before starting treatment.
Uses of Molnupiravir
Medicinal Benefits
Molnupiravir stops the COVID-19 virus from multiplying, helping your body recover from the infection.
The following are the benefits of this medication:
- Helps reduce viral replication during the early stages of infection.
- Helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation and progression to severe COVID-19 in eligible high-risk adults.
- Supports faster recovery from COVID-19 symptoms.
- Provides a convenient oral treatment that can be taken at home, as prescribed, without requiring intravenous infusions in a clinic.
Directions for Use
- Molnupiravir can be taken with or without food, or as a doctor advises.
- It is usually taken up to 2 times a day. However, follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing for optimal results.
- Swallow Molnupiravir as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Molnupiravir
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe dizziness or fainting
Drug Warnings
- Check the medicine before use: Make sure the medicine is not broken, cracked, or leaking. Do not take any damaged medicine.
- Complete the full treatment: Take Molnupiravir exactly as prescribed for the full 5-day course. Do not stop treatment early, even if you start feeling better.
- Use reliable birth control: If you are a sexually active man with a partner who can become pregnant, use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
- Inform your doctor about pregnancy: Tell your doctor immediately if you think you or your partner may be pregnant during treatment. This medicine may not be suitable during pregnancy.
- Do not share your medicine: Take Molnupiravir only as prescribed for you. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have COVID-19 or similar symptoms.
Drug Interactions
- No major drug-drug interactions have been clinically established for Molnupiravir at this time. However, you should still provide your doctor or pharmacist with a complete list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Molnupiravir. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as it may lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeMolnupiravir is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Please seek medical advice if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception during the treatment and for 4days after the last dose.
Breast Feeding
unsafeMolnupiravir is not recommended during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during the treatment and for 4days after the last dose.
Driving
cautionMolnupiravir may cause dizziness. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Molnupiravir in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Molnupiravir in patients suffering from kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Molnupiravir have not been established in children below 18years. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water, broths, or oral electrolyte solutions to replace lost fluids, especially if you have diarrhoea.
- Get adequate rest: Prioritise sleep and rest to help your immune system fight the viral infection and support recovery.
- Choose bland foods: If you have nausea or an upset stomach, eat simple foods such as toast, rice, or crackers until your symptoms improve.
- Avoid smoking and vaping: Stay away from smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke, as they can further irritate your lungs during a respiratory infection.
- Prevent virus spread: Follow recommended isolation guidelines and limit close contact with others in your household to help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Special Advise
Do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medication without first consulting a doctor if you develop a fever or rash after taking Molnupiravir.
While taking Molnupiravir, specific tests may be recommended to monitor changes in blood lipids.
Seek medical help immediately if you have a severe cough, fever, or breathing difficultly.
Regularly monitor SpO2 (oxygen saturation levels), and report to a hospital if the levels are below 92%.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
COVID-19: COVID-19 disease is an infectious disease caused by a coronavirus. It is also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2). Coronavirus belongs to the RNA virus family and contains crown-like projections on its surface. The virus spreads through droplets produced by an infected person's cough, sneeze, or heavy breathing. Coronavirus sickness is characterised by dry cough, dyspnea, shortness of breath, fever, loss of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Molnupiravir belongs to a class of drugs called antiviral agents indicated for the mild to the moderate treatment of Covid-19.
Molnupiravir is a potent protease inhibitor that interferes with a protein (protease) required by virus-infected cells to generate new viruses. This helps in the reduction of viral load in the body and aids in infection treatment.
Yes, both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected individuals can transmit the virus. To stay protected, maintain social distancing and always wear a mask whilst going out.
People who are infected with Covid-19 may or may not develop symptoms. Asymptomatic cases are those that do not have any symptoms but have been laboratory confirmed.
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) classifies that Molnupiravir would be effective against mutations of the virus, including the Delta, Gamma, and other mutations.
Do not stop taking Molnupiravir without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Molnupiravir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Molnupiravir.
Molnupiravir is not recommended for children under 18 as it may alter bone or cartilage growth. Consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding it.
Molnupiravir helps manage mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in individuals who are at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease.
Molnupiravir may cause foetal harm when used during pregnancy; therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless other treatment options are not available. Molnupiravir is not recommended for children below 18 years as it may cause bone and cartilage problems.
Vaccination and Molnupiravir serve different purposes and are not comparable. Vaccination prevents infections, while Molnupiravir treats existing COVID-19 infections, ideally when diagnosed early.
Young infants and older adolescents are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Additionally, research has shown that certain pre-existing health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
Molnupiravir should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its components. It is also not recommended for use in pregnant women and children below 18 years.
The common side effects of Molnupiravir may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and dizziness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult a doctor.
You will typically take Molnupiravir twice a day for 5 consecutive days. It is crucial to finish the entire 5-day course even if you start feeling better. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your treatment plan.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Molnupiravir. Alcohol can dehydrate your body, weaken your immune system, and worsen side effects like dizziness. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
If you vomit shortly after taking your dose, do not take an extra dose. Simply wait and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you continue to vomit and cannot keep the medicine down.
While there are no major known drug-drug interactions, you must always share a complete list of your current medications with your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm it is safe to take alongside your other prescriptions.
No, taking Molnupiravir does not stop you from spreading the virus to other people. You must continue to isolate, wear a mask, and practice good hand hygiene as advised by public health guidelines. Talk to your doctor for more safety advice.
No, you must swallow Molnupiravir whole. Do not open, crush, or chew them, as this can affect how the medicine is absorbed in your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing pills.
