Historical Perspective
Dr. Vladimir Zelenko often discussed treatment decisions in terms of a “risk-to-reward ratio,” particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His protocol focused on early outpatient intervention and explored the relationship between zinc, zinc ionophores, and viral replication mechanisms. Dr. Zelenko publicly encouraged further scientific investigation into whether increasing intracellular zinc concentrations could interfere with RNA viral replication processes. The concepts discussed on this page reflect historical protocol discussions, scientific hypotheses, and published research explored during that period.
Treatment Protocol
Moderate / High Risk Patients
Patients older than 45, younger than 45 with comorbidities, or clinically unstable.
- - Elemental Zinc 50-100 mg once a day for 7 days
- - Vitamin C 1000 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
- - Vitamin D3 10000 IU once a day for 7 days or 50000 IU once a day for 1-2 days
- - Azithromycin 500 mg 1 time a day for 5 days or
- - Doxycycline 100 mg 2 times a day for 7 days
- - Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200 mg 2 times a day for 5-7 days and/or
- - Ivermectin 0.4-0.5 mg/kg/day for 5-7 days
Either or both HCQ and IVM can be used, and if only one, the second agent may be added after about 2 days of treatment if obvious recovery has not yet been observed, etc.
Additional Treatment Options
- Dexamethasone 6-12mg 1 time a day for 7 days or
- Prednisone 20mg twice a day for 7 days, taper as needed
- Budesonide 1mg/2cc solution via nebulizer twice a day for 7 days
- Blood thinners (i.e., Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Aspirin)
- Colchicine 0.6mg 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Home IV fluids and oxygen
Low Risk Patients
Patients younger than 45, with no comorbidities, and clinically stable.
- - Supportive care with fluids, fever control, and rest
- - Elemental Zinc 50 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
- - Vitamin C 1000 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
- - Vitamin D3 5000 IU 1 time a day for 7 days
Optional Over-the-Counter Options
- - Quercetin 500 mg 2 times a day for 7 days or
- - Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 400 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
Prophylaxis Protocol
High Risk Framework
Patients are considered high risk if they are over the age of 45 or if they are younger than 45 but have comorbidities, that is, they have other health conditions that put them at risk. These patients have a 5 to 10% mortality rate if they are infected with COVID-19. These patients should be strongly encouraged to take prophylaxis against COVID-19 in accordance with the protocol noted below.
Protocol for High Risk Patients:
- - Elemental Zinc 25 mg once a day
- - Vitamin D3 5000 IU 1 time a day
- - Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200 mg 1 time a day for 5 days, then 1 time a week. If HCQ is unavailable, then use the Protocol for Low and Moderate Risk Patients.
Low Risk Framework
Young healthy people do not need prophylaxis against Covid 19. In young and healthy people, this infection causes mild cold-like symptoms. It is advantageous for these patients to be exposed to COVID-19, build up their antibodies, and have their immune system clear the virus. This will facilitate the development of herd immunity and help prevent future COVID-19 pandemics. However, if these patients desire prophylaxis against COVID-19, then they should take the protocol noted below.
Protocol for Low/Moderate Risk Patients:
- - Elemental Zinc 25 mg 1 time a day
- - Vitamin D3 5000 IU 1 time a day
- - Vitamin C 1000 mg 1 time a day
- - Quercetin 500 mg 1 time a day. If Quercetin is unavailable, then use Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 400 mg 1 time a day.
