Amid global demand for Hydroxychloroquine, Govt issues new advisory on who should avoid it

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The government advisory has recommended not administering the drug to children below the age of 15 and people with known case of retinopathy and known hypersensitivity to Hydroxychloroquine or 4-aminoquinoline compounds.

SNS Web | New Delhi | April 10, 2020 The StatesmanHydroxychloroquine

Ever since the deadly virus spread across nations, Hydroxychloroquine has become one of the most highly demanded drugs worldwide. (Representational Photo: iStock)

The Union Health Ministry on Friday issued a fresh advisory on the use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a key anti-malaria drug, seen as a possible cure for COVID-19 coronavirus infection.

The ministry has stated that HCQ is recommended only under exceptional circumstances and for the protection of high-risk individuals as the drug was found to be effective against Coronavirus only in pre-clinical laboratory studies.

The advisory is based on recommendation of the task force constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).