Background: The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 has necessitated trial of several drugs searching for a potential cure. This protocol is basing on our previously published article that recommended adoption of nitazoxanide/azithromycin for early cases of COVID-19 that was followed by two other articles in which we have provided the theoretical basis that justify our addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the protocol.
Patients and methods: We present our clinical real-life practice providing a prospective case series involving consented twenty-five confirmed and highly suspected COVID-19 Egyptian patients including 12 adult males, 7 adult females, 2 pregnant patients as well as 4 children. All patients have received a 5-day-regimen of NSAIDs (diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen or ketoprofen)/nitazoxanide/azithromycin +/- cefoperazone either in full or in part as illustrated in the manuscript. The primary endpoint of this protocol was full relief of all serious COVID-19 symptoms and signs like fever, progressive cough, moderate/severe dyspnea or disturbed level of consciousness.
Results: The primary endpoint was fully achieved in all patients within two weeks. Most of the patients treated early with the protocol have fully recovered during its five days; the leucocytic/lymphocytic count was significantly improved for those with prior leucopenia/lymphopenia. No significant adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion: A novel short course COVID-19 protocol using inexpensive FDA approved drugs is illustrated.