Emetine Is Not Ipecac: Considerations for Its Use as Treatment for SARS-CoV2.

ABSTRACT: Emetine is a potent antiviral that acts on many viruses in the low-nM range, with several studies in animals and humans demonstrating antiviral activity. Historically, emetine was used to treat patients with Spanish influenza, in the last stages of the pandemic in the early 1900s. Some of these patients were "black" with cyanosis. Emetine rapidly reversed the cyanosis and other symptoms of this disease in 12-24 h. However, emetine also has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and it appears it is these anti-inflammatory properties that were responsible for the effects seen in patients with Spanish influenza. Emetine, in the past, has also been used in 10s to 100s of millions of people at a dose of ~60 mg daily to treat amoebiasis. Based on viral inhibition data we can calculate

SUBMITTER: Bleasel MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7760625 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature