Molnupiravir
Pronunciation: (mol-NYOO-pir-a-veer).
- Generic name
- Molnupiravir
- Brand names
- Molaz, Molflu, Molulife, Lagevrio, Movfor, Molnat
- Drug class
- Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Molnupiravir is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Molnupiravir works
Molnupiravir is a prodrug of the ribonucleoside analog N4-hydroxycytidine. After oral administration, it is metabolized to its active form, which is incorporated into viral RNA by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This incorporation results in an accumulation of errors (mutagenesis) in the viral genome, ultimately inhibiting viral replication and reducing viral load. (2)
What Molnupiravir is used for
Treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 (hospitalization or death), when other FDA-approved/authorized COVID-19 treatments are not accessible or clinically appropriate
Available in the US only under FDA Emergency Use Authorization, not full FDA approval. (1)
Before taking Molnupiravir
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to molnupiravir or any of its components. (Contraindication) (1)
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential teratogenicity. (Contraindication) (1)
- Not authorized for use in children under 18 years due to potential effects on bone and cartilage growth. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Molnupiravir
- General Instructions: Take molnupiravir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Start treatment as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test and within five days of symptom onset.. Adult Dosing: 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules) taken orally every 12 hours for 5 days.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy have not been established in individuals under 18 years of age.. Administration: Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules. Can be taken with or without food.. When To Stop: Complete the full 5-day course, even if you feel better. Do not stop early unless advised by your healthcare provider.. Storage: Store at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
If you take too much molnupiravir, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Supportive care is recommended as there is no specific antidote. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Diarrhea
Incidence: Occurred in about 2% of subjects in the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial (same rate as placebo); mild to moderate in severity
Nausea
Incidence: Occurred in about 1% of subjects in the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial (same rate as placebo); mild to moderate in severity
Dizziness
Incidence: Occurred in about 1% of subjects in the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial (same rate as placebo); mild to moderate in severity
Signs of an allergic reaction, liver problems, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms — seek prompt medical attention.
(2)Serious warnings
CONTRACEPTION — serious
Symptoms: CONTRACEPTION: females of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after the final dose. Males of reproductive potential should use reliable contraception during treatment and for AT LEAST 3 MONTHS after the last dose — the risk beyond 3 months after the last dose is not known. Discuss contraception with your care team before starting treatment if this applies to you or your partner.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risk to the fetus — serious
Symptoms: Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risk to the fetus. Not authorized for use in children under 18 years. Use with caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. May cause fetal harm if administered to pregnant individuals. Not for use as pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to molnupiravir or any of its components. Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential teratogenicity. Use with caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, as clinical data are limited. Not authorized for use in children under 18 years due to potential effects on bone and cartilage growth.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Molnupiravir has a low potential for drug interactions, but always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. No significant interactions have been identified, but caution is advised with concurrent use of other antivirals or investigational agents. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy because potential fetal harm cannot be ruled out. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, discuss contraception with your care team: females of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose; males of reproductive potential should use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. (1)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose. Those who are breastfeeding can consider pumping and discarding breast milk during this period. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (1)
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is recommended for renal or hepatic impairment, per the FDA Emergency Use Authorization fact sheet. Clinical experience in severe renal or hepatic impairment remains limited, so use with caution and close monitoring in these patients. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
No dosage adjustment is recommended for renal or hepatic impairment, per the FDA Emergency Use Authorization fact sheet. Clinical experience in severe renal or hepatic impairment remains limited, so use with caution and close monitoring in these patients. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
United States (FDA EUA)
Indication: Mild-to-moderate COVID-19, high-risk adults
Dose summary: 800 mg orally every 12 hours for 5 days, started within 5 days of symptom onset.
Renal context: No dosage adjustment recommended for renal impairment, including severe impairment — renal clearance is not a meaningful elimination route for the active metabolite. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is molnupiravir used for?
Molnupiravir is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults at risk of developing severe illness. It helps reduce the risk of hospitalization and death when started early in the course of infection.
How does molnupiravir work?
Molnupiravir works by introducing errors into the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, preventing it from multiplying and spreading in the body.
Can I take molnupiravir if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Molnupiravir is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Breastfeeding is also not advised during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up doses.
Are there any serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, liver problems, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms.
Is molnupiravir a substitute for COVID-19 vaccination?
No, molnupiravir is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination remains the primary method for preventing COVID-19.
Can children take molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir is not authorized for use in individuals under 18 years of age.
What happens if I take too much Molnupiravir?
Taking too much Molnupiravir can lead to an overdose. Symptoms may include exacerbated side effects like severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat or wait for symptoms to worsen.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Molnupiravir?
While there are no specific contraindications for alcohol consumption with Molnupiravir, it's generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can potentially worsen common side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and may also place additional strain on your liver, which is involved in drug metabolism. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Molnupiravir safe during pregnancy?
Molnupiravir's safety during pregnancy has not been definitively established, and it falls under a category where potential risks to the fetus cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Molnupiravir. Your healthcare provider can assess the risks and benefits.
What is the mechanism of action of Molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir is a prodrug of the ribonucleoside analog N4-hydroxycytidine. After oral administration, it is metabolized to its active form, which is incorporated into viral RNA by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This incorporation results in an accumulation of errors (mutagenesis) in the viral genome, ultimately inhibiting viral replication and reducing viral load. (2)
What is the generic name of Molnupiravir?
The generic name is Molnupiravir. It is sold under brand names including Molaz, Molflu, Molulife, Lagevrio, Movfor, Molnat.
What class of drug is Molnupiravir?
Molnupiravir is classed as: Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog).
References
- LAGEVRIO (molnupiravir) — Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet for Healthcare ProvidersU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Molnupiravir — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- MOLNUPIRAVIR POWDER [MAEDA INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Molnupiravir — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Molnupiravir — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2587901)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Molnupiravir names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.