Paxlovid 

Background

Paxlovid is a known treatment for acute COVID-19 and is being considered for long COVID due to its ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Mechanism of Action

• Paxlovid: Combines nirmatrelvir to block viral protease and ritonavir to slow drug breakdown, maximizing antiviral effects (FDA Factsheet).

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Oral administration and widely available; effective for replication inhibition.
• Cons: High drug interaction profile and potential liver effects. 2 week study at Stanford was discontinued, apparently due to not finding an effect. There is some debate about whether longer-course or changing the placebo from ritonavir may have had an impact.

References

1. FDA Factsheet, Paxlovid

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