There are many medications that have been used to treat Long COVID symptoms
There is still much that is unknown about how a person develops long COVID and about how best to treat the condition.
The Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition (CAN-PCC) has conducted a rigorous review of scientific evidence available for the treatment of long COVID. They reviewed the evidence for the following medication treatments. Each treatment is discussed in this section, including what the evidence says and what the CAN-PCC recommends based on evidence available.
The recommendations are up to date as of Spring 2025. Please note many of these medications are not currently recommended by the CAN-PCC, based on research evidence of their safety and benefits.
For general symptom management
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Antivirals (currently not recommended)
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Low-dose naltrexone (currently not recommended)
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Corticosteroids (currently not recommended)
For cognitive symptoms
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Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants for brain fog (currently not recommended)
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for brain fog (currently not recommended)
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cognitive impairment (currently not recommended)
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Melatonin for sleep disturbance (currently recommended)
For heart or lung symptoms
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Antiplatelet drugs to prevent blood clots (currently not recommended)
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Medications for POTS (currently recommended for people with POTS)
For gut and gastrointestinal symptoms
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Antihistamines for MCAS (currently recommended for people with MCAS)
For a new COVID-19 infection
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Metformin and antivirals (currently recommended–please see the last slide for a list of most to least recommended)
As more research evidence and new treatments become available these recommendations may change. Please go to the CAN-PCC website for more information about these guidelines. Each recommendation is offered in both technical and plain language format.
