The purpose of this study is to assess whether lopinavir/ritonavir (or eventually other antiviral drugs) is effective at reducing the rate of hospitalization among confirmed COVID-19 cases treated as outpatients.
After being informed about the study and potential risks, all patients who meet all
eligibility criteria and who give written informed consent will be randomized to receive
standard care or standard care plus lopinavir/ritonavir (400mg/100mg twice daily for 14
days). Participants will receive daily visits from study staff for 15 days and be followed
for a total of 28 days.
Drug: Lopinavir-Ritonavir Drug Combination
400mg/100mg taken orally twice daily for 14 days.
Combination Product: Standard Care
Paracetamol as needed for the symptomatic treatment of fever and vitamin C 1000 mg daily
Inclusion Criteria:
- Suspect, probable or confirmed case of COVID-19
- Men and women aged ≥12 years, including pregnant and breastfeeding women
- SpO2 ≥93% on room air
- Signature of informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
- Medical indication for hospitalization at the time of enrolment
- Severe chronic liver disease
- Known infection with HIV
- Known allergy or severe intolerance to lopinavir/ritonavir
- Absolute contra-indication to lopinavir/ritonavir, including concomitant therapy with
a medication whose metabolism is dependent on isoform CPY3A with a narrow therapeutic
window (e.g., amiodarone, colchicine, simvastatin, lovastatin, etc.)
- Treatment with an antiviral medication in the 28 days prior to enrolment
- Dementia or other condition that interferes with active participation in data
collection and obtaining informed consent