Hydroxychloroquine for prevention of COVID-19

The Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine prevention of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the healthcare setting; a randomized, placebo-controlled prophylaxis study (COPCOV)

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

PACTR

Registry ID

PACTR202009786901147

Enrollment

1600

Registered

2020-09-16

Start date

2020-10-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-08-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Coronavirus disease

Interventions

Placebo

hydroxychloroquine

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: • 18 years and above • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study and agrees with the study and its conduct • Agrees not to self-medicate with chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine or other potential antivirals (e.g. not on HAART that includes LPV/r as part of the regimen) • Not previously diagnosed with COVID-19 • Not currently symptomatic with an acute respiratory infection (ARI) • Possesses an internet-enabled smartphone (Android or iOS) or computer

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: • Hypersensitivity reaction to hydroxychloroquine or 4-aminoquinolines • Contraindication to taking hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis, e.g. known epileptic, known creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min • Already taking chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine or 4-aminoquinolines • Taking a concomitant medication described in section 8.5 of the master protocol, which cannot be safely stopped known retinal disease • Inability to be followed up for the trial period • Known prolonged QT syndrome (ECG will be required for potential participants who report having a heart condition) • Is enrolled in another clinical trial (however participants will be allowed to participate in observational studies)

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The number of symptomatic COVID-19 infections will be compared between participants randomised to hydroxychloroquine, and placebo groups	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
The symptoms,severity and duration of COVID-19, in those who become infected during the study will be compared between the two groups using a respiratory severity score;The number of asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 will be determined by comparing serology in all participants at time of enrolment and at the end of follow up;The number and severity of symptomatic acute respiratory illnesses will be compared between the hydroxychloroquine,and placebo group	—

Measure

Time frame

The symptoms,severity and duration of COVID-19, in those who become infected during the study will be compared between the two groups using a respiratory severity score;The number of asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 will be determined by comparing serology in all participants at time of enrolment and at the end of follow up;The number and severity of symptomatic acute respiratory illnesses will be compared between the hydroxychloroquine,and placebo group

—

Countries

Kenya

Contacts

Public ContactAnthony Etyang

Kenya Medical Research Institute CGMRC

AEtyang@kemri-wellcome.org+254722417507

Outcome results

None listed

Source: PACTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Aug 9, 2026