Remdesivir
Remdesivir is an antiviral medication designed to treat COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is administered intravenously and is typically used in hospitalized patients with severe disease who require supplemental oxygen. The drug works by inhibiting viral replication of the coronavirus.
Remdesivir is an IV antiviral medication used to treat hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 by inhibiting viral replication.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AB16
- RxNorm
- 2284718
- Generic
- Remdesivir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Veklury
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg loading dose on Day 1, then 100mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg/kg loading dose on Day 1, then 2.5mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg loading dose on Day 1, then 100mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus; limited clinical data available
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno specific adjustment
use when benefits outweigh risks; remdesivir has been used in pregnant patients with severe COVID-19
fetal monitoring and maternal oxygen saturation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 7 days after last dose if possible; or pump and discard milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderly 65no specific adjustment
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to adverse effects; monitor renal and hepatic function
close monitoring of renal function, hepatic enzymes, and oxygen saturation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
28 days to 11 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for pediatric patients 28 days and older weighing at least 3 kg with positive SARS-CoV-2 test requiring hospitalization
monitor liver enzymes, renal function, and for infusion reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
12 years and olderadult dosing
approved for pediatric patients 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg
standard monitoring for adult patients
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment
no dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
monitor renal function during treatment
renal_impairment
severe esrduse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; limited data in severe renal impairment; consider alternative therapies
intensive renal function monitoring; consider hemodialysis scheduling
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution; monitor liver enzymes
frequent monitoring of ALT, AST, and bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; limited safety data in severe hepatic impairment
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approved Remdesivir (Veklury) for COVID-19 treatment
Drug class
Remdesivir is a nucleotide prodrug that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Primary indication
Authorized for treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients
Route of administration
Remdesivir is administered via IV infusion
Remdesivir is indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who are hospitalized or at high risk of severe disease progression. It is typically used in patients requiring supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Remdesivir is a prodrug that gets converted to its active form inside cells. It acts as an adenosine nucleoside analog that interferes with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, inhibiting viral replication of SARS-CoV-2.
Remdesivir is administered via intravenous infusion, usually once daily for 5 to 10 days depending on clinical status. Common side effects may include nausea, elevated liver enzymes, and infusion-related reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Liver function and renal function should be monitored during treatment. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 12 years old are still being established.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy