The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus spread fast around the globe. The medical community is actively searching for an antiviral that could be effective against it. An antiviral drug called favipiravir, created for the treatment of influenza, may work well for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of favipiravir in COVID-19 by reviewing published articles. We found favipiravir is effective, safe, and tolerated against COVID-19. More information is needed to determine long-term consequences, such as QT prolongation, hyperuricemia, and teratogenicity. Favipiravir interacts with other medications such as repaglinide, pyrazinamide, theophylline, acyclovir, warfarin, and methotrexate. Physicians should be aware when prescribing it.
Key words: Favipiravir, COVID-19, SARSCoV-2, antiviral drugs, pandemic.
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