The drug chloroquine has generated buzz on social media for supposedly being a cure for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In the Philippines, netizens celebrated the recovery of Patient 358, who claimed in a Facebook post that hydroxy chloroquine was among the medicines given to him for COVID-19.
Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rey Salinel said chloroquine contains the chemical compound quinine, which is used to treat heart ailments.
“‘Pag-umiinom ang pasyente ng chloroquine ginagawa niyang... alkaline ang blood pH [level] para hindi ito conducive makapasok sa cell ng mga COVID patient,” he explained.
“Mas gusto ng mga doktor ibigay ito sa mga malalang pang condition katulad ng mga intensive care unit patients at mga intubated o naka-respirator na patient.”
However, Salinel stressed that the drug may cause complications in the heart, kidney, and liver.
The Department of Health likewise cautioned the public against the use of off-label drugs such as chloroquine, which are not recommended for self-medication.
Watch this Stand for Truth report by Manal Sugadol to learn more about the drug. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News
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