FDA cautious against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for coronavirus outside of the hospital

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has on Friday cautioned against prescribing hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to coronavirus patients outside of hospital settings or clinical trials.

The drug, an anti-malaria drug, was repeatedly touted by U.S. President Donald Trump as a potential treatment for the coronavirus.

“The FDA is aware of reports of serious heart rhythm problems in patients with COVID-19 treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, often in combination with azithromycin,” the FDA wrote on its website.

“We are also aware of increased use of these medicines through outpatient prescriptions. Therefore, we would like to remind health care professionals and patients of the known risks associated with both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine,” the FDA added.