Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are at high risk of developing severe illness, such as hospitalization or death[1][3][7]. It should be started within five days of symptom onset and is intended for individuals with risk factors like advanced age, certain chronic diseases, obesity, or compromised immune systems[1][3].
Paxlovid is composed of two medicines: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir blocks the main protease (Mpro), a key enzyme the SARS-CoV-2 virus needs to replicate[2][4][6][8]. Ritonavir does not directly treat COVID-19 but slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir in the body, increasing its effectiveness by keeping blood levels higher for a longer period[2][4][8].
Paxlovid is not authorized or approved to prevent COVID-19 before or after exposure (pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis), and it is not intended for the prevention of long COVID[3].
References
- [1] 13 Things To Know About Paxlovid, the Latest COVID-19 Pill
- [2] Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) for the Treatment of Covid-19
- [3] Paxlovid for COVID-19: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions Dose
- [4] The Design, Synthesis and Mechanism of Action of Paxlovid
- [6] Understanding the science behind PAXLOVID
- [7] Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir): Uses, Side Effects
- [8] Paxlovid: Mechanism of Action, Synthesis, and In Silico Study – PMC