This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized, comparative effectiveness pilot study evaluating the effect of a sustained-release ammonium chloride formulation (ACF) on viral load dynamics in adult patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 or seasonal influenza infection. Eligible participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ACF (ammonium chloride with vitamin D) or a control formulation (vitamin D only) twice daily for 10 consecutive days. The primary objective is to assess the reduction of viral load measured by RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values at baseline, Day 3-5, and Day 10-12. Secondary objectives include the duration and severity of symptoms, incidence of hospitalization, oxygen supplementation, ICU admission, and mortality. The study is conducted in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece as well as at the outpatient clinic "En Ygeia". All viral load analyses are performed at the Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. A total of 32 participants were enrolled. This study aims to generate early clinical evidence regarding the antiviral effectiveness of ACF as an adjunct strategy in respiratory RNA virus infections.
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Change in viral load measured by RT-PCR Ct values
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1), Day 3-5, Day 10-12