Can I take Molnupiravir if I am pregnant?

Lagevrio is not recommended during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm, though it may be prescribed if a doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks.

Is Molnupiravir safe for children?

No, Molnupiravir is not authorized for use in anyone under 18 years old because it might affect bone and cartilage growth.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lagevrio?

If you miss a dose within 10 hours of your scheduled time, take it as soon as possible; if it's been more than 10 hours, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time.

What are the most common side effects of Molnupiravir?

The most common side effects reported in clinical studies include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.

Does Molnupiravir interact with other drugs?

Currently, no drug-drug interactions have been identified, but clinical studies have not yet been conducted to confirm this.

How long is the treatment course for Lagevrio?

The full treatment course lasts for 5 consecutive days.

Can I take Lagevrio with food?

Yes, you can take Lagevrio with or without food.

molnupiravir | CAS 2349386-89-4 | HTNPEHXGEKVIHG

Loading compound...

Antiviral

Molnupiravir (brand name Lagevrio) is an oral antiviral medication used to treat adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of getting much sicker. It works by causing errors in the virus's genetic code, which stops it from replicating. It is taken as a 5-day course of capsules.

How it worksMolnupiravir is converted in the body into a substance that gets into the virus. Once inside, it causes many mistakes in the virus's genetic material, which prevents the virus from making copies of itself.

Brand names:LAGEVRIO

Used for

Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk of severe disease

Conditions

COVID-19

Class

antiviralnucleoside analogueAntiviralRespiratory

How to take

FormsCapsule

RoutesOral

The standard dose for adults is 800 mg (which is four 200 mg capsules) taken every 12 hours for 5 days. It can be taken with or without food.

Take this medicine as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis and within 5 days of when symptoms first started. If you miss a dose within 10 hours of your usual time, take it as soon as possible. If you miss it by more than 10 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next one at your regular time. Do not double your dose.

Missed dose: If missed within 10 hours, take it immediately. If more than 10 hours, skip the dose and take the next one at the regular time. Do not double dose.

Key warnings

Lagevrio is being used under Emergency Use Authorization. It is intended only for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of hospitalization or death and cannot access other approved treatments. Patients must be informed of the risks and benefits, and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose. Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

·Lagevrio is being used under Emergency Use Authorization. It is intended only for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of hospitalization or death and cannot access other approved treatments. Patients must be informed of the risks and benefits, and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose. Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
·May cause harm to an unborn baby.
·May affect bone and cartilage growth in children.
·Risk of serious allergic reactions.

Do not use if

·No specific contraindications have been identified based on the limited data available.

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaNauseaDizziness

Serious

·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Swelling (angioedema)
·Skin rash or hives
·Redness of the skin (erythema)
·Itching (pruritus)

Seek help if

·Anaphylaxis
·Angioedema
·Severe rash

Interactions

·No specific drug interactions have been identified yet due to limited data, but no clinical trials have been done to check how it interacts with other medicines.

FoodTaking Lagevrio with food can reduce the maximum concentration of the drug in your blood by about 35%, but it does not change the total amount of drug absorbed.

Special populations

PregnancyLagevrio is not recommended during pregnancy because animal studies suggest it may cause harm to a fetus. It should only be used if a healthcare provider determines the benefits outweigh the risks. There is a pregnancy registry available to monitor outcomes for those exposed to the drug during pregnancy.

PediatricLagevrio is not authorized for use in people under 18 years old because it may affect the growth of bones and cartilage.

GeriatricNo dosage changes are needed for older adults. Studies showed no difference in safety or how well the drug worked in people aged 65 and older compared to younger adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)
·Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
·Pregnancy status

Questions to ask

·Am I at high risk for severe COVID-19?
·Are there other COVID-19 treatments available to me?
·Should I use specific contraception while taking Lagevrio?
·How will this drug interact with my current medications?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetT max median is 1.5 hours

Half-life3.3 hours

DurationThe drug is metabolized to NHC which is then eliminated via metabolism to uridine and/or cytidine.

Protein binding0% (in vitro)

MetabolismMolnupiravir is a prodrug metabolized to the cytidine nucleoside analogue, NHC.

ExcretionEliminated via metabolism; renal clearance is not a major route. 81.6% of NHC is excreted in urine over 0-12 hours.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no human experience with overdosing on Lagevrio. If an overdose occurs, general supportive care and monitoring of the patient's clinical status are recommended.

Ingredients

Inactive

croscarmellose sodiumhydroxypropyl cellulosemagnesium stearatemicrocrystalline cellulosepurified waterhypromellosered iron oxidetitanium dioxidebutyl alcoholdehydrated alcoholisopropyi alcoholpotassium hydroxidepropylene glycolshellacstrong ammonia solution

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.