Mohamad-Ali Salloum is a Pharmacist and science writer. He loves simplifying science to the general public and healthcare students through words and illustrations. When he's not working, you can usually find him in the gym, reading a book, or learning a new skill.
First COVID Treatment for Younger Kids is now FDA approved
Mohamad Ali Salloum, PharmD • May 1, 2022
Share
Remdesivir..
I bet you’ve heard about this molecule during the pandemic.
This molecule was originally approved by FDA in October 2020 for hospitalized patients aged 12 and above. (Their weight should be at least 40 kilograms)
Properties of Remdesivir:
This molecule is an antiviral drug that acts by limiting the SARS-CoV-2 replication. How?
The virus has a machine that can use the human’s cell components to multiply itself. This machine is called the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Remdesivir is a nucleotide prodrug of an adenosine analog. This means that it mimics the function of another molecule that is used by the machine to build the virus. When Remdesivir sits in place of the molecule that was supposed to be in its place, it terminates the RNA transcription prematurely, thus preventing the virus from multiplying itself.
The usual Adverse events that were observed include: nausea, Elevated transaminase levels, Increase in prothrombin time without a change in the international normalized ratio (INR), and hypersensitivity.
Approvals:
Intravenous Remdesivir is approved for treatment of:
- Mild to moderate Covid-19 in high-risk, non-hospitalized patients (a 3-day course is initiated within 7 days of symptom onset.)
- Hospitalized patients with Covid-19 (a 5-day course)
FDA expanded the approval for the intravenous Remdesivir where It’s now available as FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for treatment of COVID-19 in non hospitalized and hospitalized pediatric patients:
- Weighing 3.5 kg to 40 kg
- Age <12 years and weighing > 3.5 kg.
- Children as young as 28 days can be given the medication.
A phase II/III study was done by “Gilead Sciences” and the scientists observed that 75% of the pediatric patients had clinical improvement at day 10, and 85% showed improvement at last assessment. Adverse events were reported in 72% of the children, and 21 % of them had serious adverse event.
The FDA eventually assessed that the safety profile of Remdesivir is similar in pediatric subjects and adults.
Adverse events that were observed in pediatric patients:
Elevated levels of liver enzymes, allergic reactions, fever, shortness of breath, rash, nausea, sweating, or shivering. (2)
As a summary:
| Drug Class | Anti-Viral |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is essential for viral replication |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (IV) |
| Side effects | Nausea, Elevated transaminase levels, Increase in prothrombin time without a change in the international normalized ratio (INR), and hypersensitivity. |
List of Services
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD
Share
Recent articles:
Low Mood is NOT random!
Learn how CBT rewires thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—and test your knowledge with a quick quiz.
A clear, engaging walkthrough of fentanyl’s pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics—from administration to metabolism and excretion—designed for pharmacy and medical students, with visuals, summaries, and an interactive quiz.
Understand Aspirin easily with this blog post.
Learn about Buprenorphine, the strong gripper, but weak pusher 😅
References : American Chemical Society. Tramadol – Molecule of the Week Archive. December 16, 2014. [acs.org] DEA Diversion Control Division. Tramadol Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section Report. April 2025. [deadiversi....usdoj.gov] Grond S, Sablotzki A. Clinical pharmacology of tramadol. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2004;43(13):879‑923. [go.drugbank.com] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ULTRAM® (tramadol hydrochloride) tablets label. 2004. [accessdata.fda.gov] Nickson C. Tramadol – CCC Pharmacology. Life in the Fast Lane ; 2024. [litfl.com] DrugBank Online. Tramadol: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action. DB00193. [go.drugbank.com] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets (DailyMed). 2023. [dailymed.nlm.nih.gov] Dean L. Tramadol Therapy and CYP2D6 Genotype. Medical Genetics Summaries . 2015. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tramadol ER Capsules Label Information. 2010. [accessdata.fda.gov] EBM Consult. Mechanism for Tramadol‑Induced Serotonin Syndrome in Patients Taking SSRIs. 2017. Medsafe Pharmacovigilance. Serious Reactions with Tramadol: Seizures and Serotonin Syndrome. 2007. Hassamal S, Miotto K, Dale W, Danovitch I. Tramadol: Understanding the Risk of Serotonin Syndrome and Seizures. Am J Med. 2018;131(11):1382.e1–6. Medscape Reference. Ultram, ConZip (tramadol) dosing, indications, interactions. 2026.
A thoughtful reflection on Declutter Your Mind, exploring mental clutter, awareness, negative thinking patterns, mindfulness, and practical habits for mental clarity.
References: Qiang S, Wu J, Zheng D, et al. The effect of stress mindset on psychological pain: the chain mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal and self-identity. Front Psychol. 2025;16. 1 Bosshard M, Gomez P. Effectiveness of stress arousal reappraisal and stressisenhancing mindset interventions on task performance outcomes: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024. 2 Zhao S, Chen P, Jin L, et al. Unlocking Emotional Well-Being: Evaluation of a Stress Mindset Intervention With a Metacognitive Approach. Emotion. 2025;25(5):1169–1184. 4 Meyer HH, Stutts LA. The Effect of Mindset Interventions on Stress and Academic Motivation in College Students. Innov High Educ. 2024;49:783–798. 7 Crum AJ, Santoro E, Handley-Miner I, et al. Evaluation of the “Rethink Stress” Mindset Intervention: A Metacognitive Approach to Changing Mindsets. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2023. 3 Laferton JAC, Fischer S, Ebert DD, et al. The Effects of Stress Beliefs on Daily Affective Stress Responses. Ann Behav Med. 2020;54(4):258–267. 5 UCSF Stress Measurement Network. Beliefs about Stress . 2026. 6
References: Qiang S, Wu J, Zheng D, et al. The effect of stress mindset on psychological pain: the chain mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal and self-identity. Front Psychol. 2025;16. 1 Bosshard M, Gomez P. Effectiveness of stress arousal reappraisal and stressisenhancing mindset interventions on task performance outcomes: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024. 2 Zhao S, Chen P, Jin L, et al. Unlocking Emotional Well-Being: Evaluation of a Stress Mindset Intervention With a Metacognitive Approach. Emotion. 2025;25(5):1169–1184. 4 Meyer HH, Stutts LA. The Effect of Mindset Interventions on Stress and Academic Motivation in College Students. Innov High Educ. 2024;49:783–798. 7 Crum AJ, Santoro E, Handley-Miner I, et al. Evaluation of the “Rethink Stress” Mindset Intervention: A Metacognitive Approach to Changing Mindsets. J Exp Psychol Gen. 2023. 3 Laferton JAC, Fischer S, Ebert DD, et al. The Effects of Stress Beliefs on Daily Affective Stress Responses. Ann Behav Med. 2020;54(4):258–267. 5 UCSF Stress Measurement Network. Beliefs about Stress . 2026. 6
A clear, evidence‑based guide to Ramadan fasting, explaining its metabolic, mental, and cardiometabolic benefits, plus practical nutrition, hydration, sleep, and medication strategies for healthy adults and high‑risk patients.