Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 28, 2024 1 month, 1 day, 3 hours, 20 minutes ago
Medical News: Even though the COVID-19 pandemic was declared no longer being a global public health emergency in May 2023, the aftereffects of the virus continue to haunt many. A condition known as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), commonly referred to as long COVID, has emerged as a serious concern. Symptoms like fatigue, mental confusion, and difficulty performing daily tasks can persist long after recovery from the initial infection, sometimes lasting for years.
Intranasal Chlorpheniramine as a Potential Solution for Long COVID Symptoms
A recent study has spotlighted an old antihistamine, chlorpheniramine, as a potential game-changer. Conducted by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Florida-USA, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, and other institutions, this study evaluated the use of intranasal chlorpheniramine (iCPM) in mitigating the debilitating effects of PASC.
A Closer Look at the Study
This
Medical News report discusses a survey study involving 259 participants drawn from two randomized clinical trials, ACROSS I and ACROSS III. These trials focused on assessing the effects of intranasal chlorpheniramine in patients with COVID-19. Participants were evaluated through a detailed questionnaire covering 17 common symptoms of PASC. Researchers used advanced statistical methods to compare the outcomes of the iCPM group with those who received a placebo.
Key findings revealed that the iCPM cohort experienced significantly fewer symptoms associated with long COVID. For example, none of the patients in the iCPM group reported persistent fatigue or mental confusion, while these symptoms were prevalent in the placebo group. Moreover, individuals treated with iCPM were less likely to seek medical attention for PASC-related issues.
Breaking Down the Findings
The study's results highlight the potential of iCPM in reducing the prevalence of several PASC symptoms:
-Fatigue and Tiredness: While 17 participants in the placebo group reported persistent fatigue, none in the iCPM group experienced this symptom.
-Mental Clarity: Difficulty concentrating, often referred to as "brain fog," was reported by 22 placebo participants but none in the iCPM group.
-Daily Activities: Only one participant in the iCPM group faced challenges in performing daily tasks, compared to 38 in the placebo group.
-Healthcare Needs: None of the iCPM participants required additional medical care for PASC symptoms, unlike 48 individuals in the placebo group.
The study also found that patients who began treatment earlier in their COVID-19 course were less likely to develop long-term symptoms. This underscores the importance of timely intervention in preventing PASC.
How Does Intranasal Chlorpheniramine Work?
Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that has been in use for over five decades. Its intranasal formulation offers several advantages, including direct action at the site of viral entry. The drug appears to reduce the viral burden and inflammation by blocking histamine release and preventing mast cell degranulation. Additionally, it has shown virucidal properties against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, in laboratory studies.
This dual action of antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects makes chlorpheniramine a promising candidate for repurposing in the fight against PASC. Its affordability and safety profile further enhance its appeal as a potential therapeutic option.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
While the findings are encouraging, the study has its limitations. For instance, the timing of treatment varied among participants, which could influence the results. Additionally, the study primarily involved vaccinated individuals, leaving questions about the drug's effectiveness in unvaccinated populations.
Future research should focus on larger, more diverse cohorts and investigate the optimal timing for initiating iCPM treatment. Understanding the interplay between vaccination status, antiviral treatments, and the development of PASC will also be critical.
Conclusion
The findings of this study provide strong evidence supporting the use of intranasal chlorpheniramine in preventing and reducing PASC symptoms. Its affordability, ease of administration, and safety make it a viable option for widespread use. However, early treatment appears to be crucial for maximizing its benefits. As the world continues to grapple with the long-term effects of COVID-19, innovative solutions like iCPM could play a vital role in alleviating the burden of PASC.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: BMC Infectious Diseases.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12879-024-10211-8
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