Key Findings There is currently no evidence to support the use of virgin coconut oil in the adjunctive treatment of COVID-19. • Virgin coconut oil is naturally extracted from fresh coconut kernel and is rich in medium chain triglycerides, with lauric acid as the predominant fatty acid. • Virgin coconut oil is currently explored as an adjunctive treatment for patients with COVID-19 due to its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. • In vitro studies show that lauric acid or its derivative exert inhibitory activities against viruses with similar structure to coronavirus (enveloped ssRNA virus) such as Junin virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and Semliki Forest virus. • Animal studies demonstrate antiviral activity of monolaurin, the pharmacologically active metabolite of lauric acid, on avian influenza virus and Simean immunodeficiency virus, which are both enveloped ssRNA viruses. • Clinical trials among patients with HIV report that virgin coconut oil can increase CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and reduce viral load. • In vitro and animal studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties of virgin coconut oil. • At present, there are no studies that investigate the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil in the adjunctive treatment of COVID-19 infection. • There is currently one ongoing clinical trial in the Philippines evaluating the use of virgin coconut oil in the adjunctive treatment of COVID-19. • Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been reported, but no serious adverse events have been identified with the use of virgin coconut oil. • To date, there are no guidelines that mention virgin coconut oil as an option for the adjunctive treatment of COVID-19.
Coronavirus ; Covid-19

Key Findings At present, there are no studies that evaluate the efficacy or safety of dexmedetomidine with another sedative agent among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Possible adverse events should be carefully considered in the choice of an add-on sedative agent. • Adequate sedation is important among ventilated COVID-19 patients. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation, analgesia and anxiolysis. It preserves respiratory function even when given in high doses; thus, it is commonly used for COVID-19 patients. • Due to the high cost of dexmedetomidine, a common clinical practice is to use dexmedetomidine in combination with other sedatives. • Co-administration of dexmedetomidine with other sedatives has an additive effect. Possible adverse effects of combination treatment include hypotension, bradycardia, and delirium. • There are no completed or ongoing clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy or safety of dexmedetomidine with another sedative agent among COVID-19 patients. • Currently, there are no guidelines that specifically mention the recommended add-on sedative agent to dexmedetomidine for sedation of COVID-19 patients. • The World Health Organization recommends light sedation and minimizing continuous or intermittent sedation among suspected COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory infection. • Consensus statements for mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients recommend using dexmedetomidine, lidocaine or opioids during extubation to minimize coughing. • Clinical practice guidelines for sedation among critically ill, mechanically ventilated adult patients recommend the use of propofol or dexmedetomidine over benzodiazepines due to decreased time to extubation, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, and incidence of delirium.
Coronavirus ; Covid-19