Acute respiratory viral infection
Not recommended
URI resolves spontaneously. Symptomatic care is the only approach supported by international guidelines. 'Immunomodulator' drugs are not part of this list.
Meglumine acridone acetate
Other antivirals (local classification)
ATC code: J05AX-CYCLOFERON (Meglumine acridone acetate (local code))
Mechanism of action
The manufacturer claims induction of interferons alpha and beta, and activation of macrophages and T-lymphocytes. The active compound is a low-molecular interferon inducer based on acridoneacetic acid, synthesised in the USSR in the 1970s. The drug is absent from the international scientific literature: Cochrane, WHO, FDA, and EMA do not mention it for any claimed indication.
Indications
COVID-19
Not recommended
Cycloferon is absent from international COVID-19 guidelines. It appears in Russian regional outpatient protocols but lacks a systemic evidence base. Benefit is not confirmed by independent multicentre RCTs.
Herpes simplex
Not recommended
First-line therapy for herpes simplex remains aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir. Cycloferon is not mentioned in international protocols.
Influenza
Not recommended
Cycloferon for influenza is not mentioned in WHO, IDSA, NICE, or CDC guidelines. Antiviral options with demonstrated efficacy in independent RCTs are oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir.
Practical notes
Russian practice note
Cycloferon is marketed in Russia in 150 mg tablets and 12.5% injection. It is prescribed for dozens of conditions, from influenza and URI to chlamydia and neuroinfections. Such a broad spectrum is itself a marketing marker: drugs with proven efficacy carry a narrow, specific indication range.
Common myths
Myth: 'a Cycloferon shot boosts the immune system'. Fact: 'boosting immunity' is a lay notion without clinical meaning. The immune system operates on pathogen-specific responses, not on a 'stronger-weaker' axis. Non-specific stimulation is either a null effect or a risk of autoimmune reactions.
Safety
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component
- Decompensated liver cirrhosis
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Age under 4 years
Serious adverse effects
- No independent post-marketing safety evaluation has been performed
Common adverse effects
- Per manufacturer label: allergic reactions
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Frequently asked
What is Meglumine acridone acetate used for?
Meglumine acridone acetate is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Influenza (evidence tier F), Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), Herpes simplex (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
What are the side effects of Meglumine acridone acetate?
Common side effects of Meglumine acridone acetate (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label: allergic reactions. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Is Meglumine acridone acetate safe during pregnancy?
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Is Meglumine acridone acetate compatible with breastfeeding?
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Who should not take Meglumine acridone acetate?
Meglumine acridone acetate is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to any component; Decompensated liver cirrhosis; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 4 years. Full list in the Safety section.
a Cycloferon shot boosts the immune system
'boosting immunity' is a lay notion without clinical meaning. The immune system operates on pathogen-specific responses, not on a 'stronger-weaker' axis. Non-specific stimulation is either a null effect or a risk of autoimmune reactions.