Evigrade
DrugsCosmetic ingredientsCalculatorsInteractionsEvigrade SkinEvigrade Meds ↗
ConditionsJournalMethodologyPro for practitioners
ESRU

Inosine pranobex

Other antivirals with claimed immunostimulant effect

ATC code: J05AX05-INOSINE-PRANOBEX

Brand names: Isoprinosine, Groprinosin

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

F

Common cold

Not recommended

For URI, isoprinosine is absent from , , , and guidelines. Baseline URI care is symptomatic; aetiotropic therapy is not needed except for confirmed influenza in high-risk patients (oseltamivir) and COVID-19 in high-risk patients (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir).

Sources

  1. BMC Infect Dis: Inosine pranobex is safe and effective for the treatment of subjects with confirmed acute respiratory viral infections: analysis and subgroup analysis from a Phase 4, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. (2016)
  2. Eur J Pediatr: Isoprinosine does not protect against frequent respiratory tract infections in childhood. (1999)

ICD-10: J00 · ICD-11: CA00

F

Herpes simplex

Not recommended

For herpes, isoprinosine is absent from guidelines. Proven antiherpetic agents are nucleoside analogues aciclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Eastern European use for HSV rests on the manufacturer label, not on an independent clinical base.

Sources

  1. J Dermatol: Multicenter randomized study of inosine pranobex versus acyclovir in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis and recurrent herpes genitalis in Chinese patients. (2015)
  2. Genitourin Med: Acyclovir vs isoprinosine (immunovir) for suppression of recurrent genital herpes simplex infection. (1992)
  3. Adv Ther: Inosine Pranobex: A Key Player in the Game Against a Wide Range of Viral Infections and Non-Infectious Diseases. (2019)

ICD-10: B00 · ICD-11: 1F00.Z

F

Immune support and respiratory infection care

Not recommended

Isoprinosine and Groprinosin (inosine pranobex) are marketed in Eastern Europe and the CIS as an immunostimulant for frequently ill children and adults. The has not approved the drug; international clinical guidelines (, , , CDC) do not include it; in most EU countries it is registered but used selectively for confirmed viral infections (e.g., subacute sclerosing panencephalitis). No independent international RCTs with endpoints on cold frequency in frequently ill people exist. The drug can raise uric acid with risk of gout flare. If isoprinosine was recommended to a child or adult for immunity, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

  1. BMC Infect Dis: Inosine pranobex is safe and effective for the treatment of subjects with confirmed acute respiratory viral infections: analysis and subgroup analysis from a Phase 4, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. (2016)
  2. Eur J Pediatr: Isoprinosine does not protect against frequent respiratory tract infections in childhood. (1999)
  3. Adv Ther (Weinh): Efficacy and Safety of Inosine Pranobex in COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Phase 3 Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2022)
How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Complex of inosine with dimethylamino-2-propanol and p-aminobenzoate. The manufacturer claims immunostimulant and antiviral effects via T-lymphocyte and NK-cell activation. Registered in Eastern Europe, Mexico, and East Asia; not approved in the US, UK, or Germany. Absent from major , , and guidelines.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Gout
  • Urolithiasis (urate stones)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Arrhythmias
  • Age under 3
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

  • Gout flare
  • Urate kidney stones
  • Allergic reactions up to angioedema (rare)

Common adverse effects

  • Elevated serum and urinary uric acid
  • Nausea, epigastric discomfort
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Rash, pruritus

Pregnancy: can you take Inosine pranobex?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per the manufacturer label.

Breastfeeding: can you take Inosine pranobex?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per the manufacturer label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Isoprinosine and Groprinosin are available by prescription in Eastern Europe and the CIS as antiviral and immunostimulant agents. The drug is not registered in the US or Western Europe and is not used there. One of the main side effects is raised serum uric acid, which can precipitate gout flares and urate kidney stones. Prolonged courses require biochemistry monitoring.

Check interaction with another drug

Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.

Open checker

Summary of a multi-drug list →

Medicine list: everything you take in one place →

Frequently asked

What is Inosine pranobex used for?

Inosine pranobex is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F), Herpes simplex (evidence tier F), Common cold (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Inosine pranobex?

Common side effects of Inosine pranobex (≥ 1 in 100): Elevated serum and urinary uric acid, Nausea, epigastric discomfort, Headache, dizziness, Rash, pruritus. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Inosine pranobex safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per the manufacturer label.

Is Inosine pranobex compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per the manufacturer label.

Who should not take Inosine pranobex?

Inosine pranobex is contraindicated in: Gout; Urolithiasis (urate stones); Chronic kidney disease; Arrhythmias; Age under 3. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Kagocel, Lactoferrin, Meglumine acridone acetate, Oseltamivir, Tilorone, Aciclovir, Darunavir, Ritonavir