Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin in Treating Emerging Viral Infections: Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanisms in Monkeypox and Influenza A (H5N1)

Due to their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have gained attention as potential treatments for emerging viral infections, including monkeypox and Influenza A. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated in vitro efficacy in inhibiting viral replication, while azithromycin is primarily used as an antibiotic but has shown some promise in modulating inflammation and treating secondary infections. However, clinical evidence supporting the use of these drugs for emerging infections remains inconclusive, with existing studies often yielding mixed results. The lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long-term safety data further complicates their use in treating novel viral pathogens. This review highlights the need for comprehensive clinical trials to assess the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in the treatment of emerging infections. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring to better understand the adverse effects and the potential benefits of these drugs, particularly in high-risk populations. Future research should focus on combination therapy studies and comparative trials with other antiviral treatments to establish more effective therapeutic strategies for new viral threats.