Acute respiratory viral infection
Not recommended
URI does not require etiotropic therapy. Symptomatic care and self-limitation form the backbone of international guideline recommendations.
Vitaglutam
Other antivirals (local classification)
ATC code: J05AX-INGAVIRIN (Vitaglutam (local code))
Mechanism of action
Active compound is imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid. The manufacturer claims antiviral and immunomodulatory effects and influence on influenza virus replication and interferon production. The molecule was synthesised in Russia in the early 2000s. The drug is not mentioned in PubMed, Cochrane, or the international guidelines of WHO and IDSA.
Indications
COVID-19
Not recommended
In 2020-2021 Ingavirin was actively marketed in Russian pharmacies for suspected COVID-19. The drug is not mentioned in WHO, NIH, or IDSA guidelines. No independent multicentre RCTs with outcomes (hospitalisation, mortality, symptom duration) have been published.
Influenza
Not recommended
Ingavirin is not mentioned in international influenza guidelines (WHO, IDSA 2018, NICE NG191, CDC). Proven antiviral options are oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir. Publications on ingavirin efficacy are limited to Russian-language journals without adequate blinding methodology or registration in ClinicalTrials.gov.
Practical notes
Russian practice note
Ingavirin is one of the best-selling antivirals in Russia. The manufacturer promotes it heavily via retail pharmacies and television advertising. No high-quality clinical trials are reported in PubMed or by independent experts outside Russia.
Common myths
Myth: 'Ingavirin works against flu, URI, and COVID at once'. Fact: a universal antiviral is a red flag. All proven antivirals have narrow specificity: oseltamivir targets influenza neuraminidase, aciclovir targets herpes thymidine kinase, remdesivir targets coronavirus RNA polymerase. A drug that 'works against all viruses at once' works against none.
Safety
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Age under 13 years (for the 90 mg adult formulation)
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 Vitaglutam used for?
Vitaglutam is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), COVID-19 (evidence tier F), Influenza (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
What are the side effects of Vitaglutam?
Common side effects of Vitaglutam (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label: allergic reactions. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Is Vitaglutam safe during pregnancy?
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Is Vitaglutam compatible with breastfeeding?
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Who should not take Vitaglutam?
Vitaglutam is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to any component; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 13 years (for the 90 mg adult formulation). Full list in the Safety section.
Ingavirin works against flu, URI, and COVID at once
a universal antiviral is a red flag. All proven antivirals have narrow specificity: oseltamivir targets influenza neuraminidase, aciclovir targets herpes thymidine kinase, remdesivir targets coronavirus RNA polymerase. A drug that 'works against all viruses at once' works against none.