Review of the use of nasal and oral antiseptics during a global pandemic

A review of nasal sprays and gargles with antiviral properties suggests that a number of commonly used antiseptics including povidone-iodine, Listerine(R), iota-carrageenan and chlorhexidine should be studied in clinical trials to mitigate both the progression and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Several of these antiseptics have demonstrated the ability to cut the viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by 3-4 log(10) in 15-30 s in vitro. In addition, hypertonic saline targets viral replication by increasing hypochlorous acid inside the cell. A number of clinical trials are in process to study these interventions both for prevention of transmission, prophylaxis after exposure, and to diminish progression by reduction of viral load in the early stages of infection. Tweetable abstract Commonly used antiseptics including povidone-iodine, Listerine(R), iota-carrageenan and chlorhexidine should be studied in clinical trials to mitigate the progression and transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

The review suggests that commonly used antiseptics should be studied in clinical trials to mitigate the progression and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Current research shows these antiseptics can significantly reduce viral load in vitro and may be used for prevention and early treatment.