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How and when to take molnupiravir

Dosage and strength

Molnupiravir comes as 200mg capsules.

Take 4 capsules in the morning and 4 capsules in the evening for 5 days.

How to take it

It's important that you start taking molnupiravir within 5 days of getting COVID-19 symptoms.

Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. You can take them with or without food.

Leave around 12 hours between your morning dose and evening dose.

Do not open, break or crush the capsules as this will release the medicine into your body too quickly.

How long to take it for

Take molnupiravir for 5 days. Even if you start to feel better it's important you complete the course.

If you forget to take it

It's important not to skip a dose as molnupiravir is most effective when taken early on.

If you forget to take a dose and you remember within 10 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the usual time.

If you forget to take your dose and it's been more than 10 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed one.

If you take too much

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

  • you take more than your prescribed dose of molnupiravir

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

Stopping molnupiravir

Do not stop taking molnupiravir before you have finished the 5 day course without talking to your doctor first.

If you stop taking molnupiravir, it may no longer protect you from the severe symptoms of COVID-19.

Page last reviewed: 21 December 2021
Next review due: 21 December 2024