The NINE drugs saving the Donald

Dexamethasone

A POWERFUL, cheap steroid normally given to seriously ill Covid-19 patients with breathing difficulties for at least a week. The World Health Organisation says it should only be used in severe or critical cases. Trials show it cuts deaths in patients requiring oxygen by a fifth. Remdesivir HE started a five-day course on Friday of the costly anti-viral drug given in moderate to severe cases. It is said to help stop the pathogen multiplying. REGN-COV2 THE President has had an 8g dose of the experimental antibody ‘cocktail’. It is a blend of two artificially made antibodies and given in a single dose by a drip or injection. It has not received permission to be used outside clinical trials in the US but was given after a request on compassionate grounds by doctors.

Vitamin D

AN over-the-counter aid to the immune system costing as little as 6p per pill. Melatonin A SUPPLEMENT to help regulate sleep which is also said to be anti-inflammatory. No trials on Covid patients yet. Oxygen THE main reason for going to hospital with Covid-19 is for supplementary oxygen. Mr Trump’s oxygen saturation levels twice dipped below 94 per cent on Friday and Saturday – the usual range is 95 to 100 per cent. It is given via a plastic tube in the nose or a loose face mask. Zinc A MINERAL to boost anti-viral immunity and curb inflammation.

Famotidine

A POPULAR heartburn remedy linked with reduced mortality and intubation in virus sufferers.

Aspirin

PROVEN to have anti-viral and bloodthinning effects. The virus can cause blood clotting and potentially strokes.