COVID-19 pandemic is currently the most pressing public health problem worldwide. Despite growing knowledge about the nature of SARS-CoV-2-assosiated severe acute respiratory syndrome, the treatment options are still poorly defined. The safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in particular ibuprofen, has been questioned without any supporting evidence. This has contributed to a number of observational studies evaluating the effect of ibuprofen on COVID-19 disease outcomes. A search of publications was carried out and a systematic review of 9 studies was presented, pharmacodynamic effects of ibuprofen were considered in terms of the effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cyclooxygenase. The studies data have shown no direct interaction between ibuprofen and SARS-CoV-2, no evidence that ibuprofen affects the up-regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a COVID-19 receptor in human studies. Observational studies have not found evidence that ibuprofen, when used chronically before COVID-19 or when acutely used to relieve symp-toms of COVID-19, contributes to infection or increases the risk of adverse outcomes (mortality, risk of hospitalization, risk of mechanical ventilation). Subse-quently, international regulatory authorities (World Health Organization, European Medical Agency, FDA) concluded that there is no link between the more severe course of COVID-19 and NSAID treatment; paracetamol and other NSAIDs (ibuprofen) are recommended to treat the symptoms of COVID-19; patients on chronic NSAID treatment are warned not to discontinue it, as their condition may worsen.
Cardiovascular Risk with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Systematic Review of Population-Based Controlled Observational Studies
