Background: The outbreak of new coronavirus has tremendously threatened the public health system worldwide, including China. Chinese
patent medicines (
CPMs) have greatly contributed to the prevention and treatment of this
viral infection, as well as the recovery of patients with
COVID-19 infection. Therefore, numerous experts and guidelines recommend to take
CPMs to treat
pneumonia due to
COVID-19. Aim of the Study: The present study reviewed
CPMs recommended by the < Guidelines for diagnosis and management of
COVID-19 (8th edition)> regarding evidence of their efficacy from clinical studies and the underlying mechanisms, which will lay the foundation for clinical use of these
CPMs for
COVID-19. Methods: The composition, efficacy, indications, history of use, and relevant clinical research on 14 recommended
CPMs, including Huoxiangzhengqi capsules (pills, liquid, oral
solution),
Jinhuaqinggan granules,
Lianhuaqingwen capsules (granules), Shufengjiedu capsules, Xiyanping
injections,
Xuebijing injections,
Reduning injections,
Tanreqing injections,
Xingnaojing injections,
Shenfu injections,
Shengmai injections, Angongniuhuang pills, Suhexiang pills, were searched in both Chinese and English databases based on differences in stages of the disease and manifestations of such patients. Advantages of these
CPMs over conventional treatments and their underlying mechanisms were explored by analyzing results from published articles and undergoing clinical trials. Results: Findings from clinical studies and Chinese experience in using these
CPMs showed that
CPMs, when used in combination with conventional treatments, were effective in managing
COVID-19 with few side effects. Conclusion:
CPMs have excellent efficacy in managing
COVID-19 with a great potential for clinical use.