Antiviral drug Isoprinosin: what is this medicine, indications for use

Not everyone knows that such skin formations as herpes, papillomas, warts, condylomas are caused by various viruses.

Currently, drugs have been created that allow you to fight the pathogens of these and other viral pathologies, as well as stimulate the immune system. One such drug is Isoprinosine or isoprinosine analogues .

The composition of the drug

The product contains one active ingredient: 500 mg of inosine pranobex.

Excipients are mannitol, starch, povidone, magnesium stearate.

Release form

The drug is available in oblong-shaped tablets, convex on both sides, white or almost white. Each tablet, on the one hand, is divided by risk.

Pharmacological action of the drug

Isoprinosine has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Its active substance inosine is a synthetic derivative of purine, which in the human body is part of the transfer RNA and performs various important functions.

This influence is carried out through the following mechanisms:

• the agent stimulates cellular immunity, restores the functions of lymphocytes (T-lymphocytes and NK-lymphocytes that fight and destroy virus-infected cells, as well as T-suppressors and T-helpers), and also activates their work;
• increases the production of antibodies;
• increases the production of immunoglobulins and interferons necessary in the fight against infection;
• reduces the formation of cytokines that enhance the process of inflammation;
• helps immune cells form and develop in the bone marrow.

Another important feature of isoprinosine is its activity against various viruses. The drug blocks the work of the RNA of the virus, as a result of which its particles lose their ability to multiply. Isoprinosine is effective when used against the following viruses:

• herpetic various types;
• measles;
• T-cell lymphoma;
• influenza A and B;
• polioviruses;
• equine encephalitis;
• ECHO viruses.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract almost in full. Bioavailability is high.

It is metabolized quickly, the main metabolite is uric acid.

Isoprinosine is excreted by the kidneys, its complete excretion occurs within 24-48 hours.

Why the drug helps and treats, indications for use

Isoprinosine is prescribed for the following diseases:

• influenza and SARS;
• genital and labial herpes;
• Herpes zoster, chickenpox;
• infection caused by cytomegalovirus;
• Infectious mononucleosis;
• measles;
• infection caused by papillomavirus (papillomas, condylomas, warts);
• molluscum contagiosum.

Can the drug be used by pregnant, lactating women and children?

The drug is not used during pregnancy and lactation, since there are no studies of its safety in these conditions.

Isoprinosine can be prescribed to children only from the age of 3 years.

Absolute and relative contraindications

The drug has the following absolute contraindications:

• chronic renal failure;
• urolithiasis disease;
• gout;
• the patient has arrhythmias;
• individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

A relative contraindication is insufficiency of liver function.

Drug analogues

The closest and only structural analogue is groprinosin.

Thus, isoprinosine is a modern and quite effective drug that can not only fight viruses, but also stimulate the patient’s immunity.