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Molnupiravir
INFORMATION ABOUT MOLNUPIRAVIR
Molnupiravir Uses
Molnupiravir is used in the treatment of herpes labialis, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), genital herpes infection, chickenpox, herpes simplex virus infections, eye infections by Herpes simplex virus and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. mild to moderate.
How Molnupiravir works
Molnupiravir is an antiviral medicine. It works by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 virus from replicating. This stops the virus from producing new copies and hence decreases the viral load in the body.
Common side effects of Molnupiravir
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Nausea, Dizziness, Diarrhea
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
24 Jul 2025 | 08:53 AM (UTC)
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Expert advice for Molnupiravir
  • Do not give Molnupiravir to children and adolescents aged less than 18 years.
  • Do not stop taking Molnupiravir without talking to your doctor first, as it will protect you from becoming severely ill from COVID-19.
  • Even after the treatment, continue practicing COVID-appropriate behavior such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent handwashing.
  • For individuals with conceiving potential, it is advisable to use contraceptive methods while taking Molnupiravir and for 4 days after the last dose of the medicine.
  • Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
  • Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
  • If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Molnupiravir
No, Molnupiravir is not approved for use in children or patients below the age of 18 years as it may interfere with the growth of bones and cartilage.
Molnupiravir has better patient compliance than some other treatment options available against COVID-19. Unlike other medicines that may need a skilled healthcare professional (a doctor or a nurse) to administer, Molnupiravir is an oral medicine that can be consumed by mouth in the dosage and schedule prescribed by the doctor.
Yes, there are some serious risks involved with using Molnupiravir, including its potential to cause birth defects in pregnant women and serious damage to the growth of bones and cartilage (which may cause serious muscle damage). Therefore, Molnupiravir should be used only if prescribed by a doctor and not used for self-medication.
No. There is no comparison between the two, and Molnupiravir is not a substitute for getting vaccinated. Vaccination is for prevention, while Molnupiravir is used to treat an existing COVID-19 infection, provided the infection is diagnosed at an early stage.
People who are at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 include those aged above 60 years, who are obese, have comorbid conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, other medical conditions related to the lungs, kidneys (like dialysis patients), liver, or those who have a weak immunity (like cancer patients).
Molnupiravir should not be taken to prevent COVID-19 or treat patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. According to the ongoing clinical trials, patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection have not benefited from taking Molnupiravir.