Abstract
•Concern about the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in COVID-19 have been raised. The viral point of entry is the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 receptor and it has been speculated that some NSAIDs, in particular ibuprofen, may upregulate ACE2 receptors and that NSAIDs may also have certain immunosuppressive effects. Two specific questions have been raised: do NSAIDs increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 and, in infected persons, do NSAIDs worsen outcomes? While NSAIDs represent a well-known drug class, there are considerable variations among NSAIDs, such as selective and nonselective NSAIDs. It is unknown if such differences are clinically important in COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this research is to provide an overview of what is currently known—and what is not known—about the use of NSAIDs in the setting of COVID-19.
