Isoprinosine and Acyclovir are antiviral agents with different components in the composition, but with a similar effect. We analyzed the drugs to understand what is better to choose.

Description of Isoprinosine

Isoprinosine is a drug based on inosine pranobex, which is available in the form of 500 mg tablets. It is a complex immunostimulating and antiviral drug. It is used to treat pathologies that are caused by herpes viruses.

The active component of the drug has antiviral activity and increases the overall resistance of the body. The agent is active against herpesviruses, mumps, measles. It can be administered in combination with other agents, such as Acyclovir, to enhance the activity of interferon. The drug is well tolerated and can be prescribed in pediatrics.

Research and effectiveness

Isoprinosine reduces the incidence of ARI and is recommended for use in the treatment of FIC with chronic EBV infection. When prescribing the agent, EBV replication is suppressed, which is manifested by the disappearance of markers of virus activity. A wide spectrum of antiviral action also ensures the suppression of pathogenic agents of ARI.

Important is the immunomodulatory activity of the drug. The use of Isoprinosine shows better results than standard treatment. The drug is well tolerated by patients and has few side effects.

Source: «The effectiveness of the use of inosine pranobex in frequently ill children with chronic Epstein-Barr infection» 2011, E.N. Simovanyan.

Contraindications

The drug is not prescribed up to 3 years and with a weight of less than 15 kg.

The tool has other contraindications:

1. urolithiasis;

2. heart pathology, arrhythmias;

3. hypersensitivity to substances in the composition;

4. gout;

5. chronic renal failure.

When carrying a fetus, the drug is prohibited due to unproven safety. This also applies to the period of breastfeeding.

Side effects

Isoprinosine is safe and non-toxic. It is well tolerated by children and adults. However, some adverse reactions are noted quite often. They are not dangerous, but require a revision of the dosage. Sometimes allergic symptoms, weakness, insomnia and drowsiness during the daytime, nausea, exacerbation of gout are noted.

According to the instructions, there is a possibility of severe adverse reactions. In children, against the background of long-term medication, toxic hepatitis may occur. During long-term treatment, it is necessary to control the content of uric acid.

Dosage

Isoprinosine is taken orally after a meal. The dosage for adults and children is calculated the same — 50 mg per 1 kg of weight. The dose is divided into several doses per day.

In severe forms of an infectious disease, the dosage may increase. The maximum intake per day is 50 mg / kg for children and 4 g for adults.

The duration of therapy depends on the nature of the disease:

1. recurrent pathologies — several courses of 10 days with breaks for 7 days;

2. acute diseases — up to 14 days before the disappearance of symptoms and another 2 days after;

3. maintenance treatment — 500-1000 mg per day for a month;

4. herpetic infection — 5-10 days, then for another month, 2 tablets per day;

5. papillomavirus — 2 tablets 3 times for 14-28 days.

Isoprinosine is taken in courses. Interruption of treatment can lead to relapse and progression of the disease. If adverse reactions occur during the course, you should consult a doctor who will adjust the dosage.

Who will suit

The medicine is prescribed for various infectious diseases. It is indicated for both weakened and normal immunity.

The medicine is used to treat the following diseases:

1. mononucleosis on the background of the Epstein-Barr virus;

2. genital and labial herpes, herpetic keratitis;

3. chronic and acute hepatitis of infectious origin;

4. infections of the respiratory and urinary systems;

5. viral bronchitis;

6. protracted SARS and influenza;

7. chicken pox, measles, shingles;

8. papillomavirus;

9. molluscum contagiosum, cytomegalovirus.

Isoprinosine is considered an effective remedy for immunodeficiency states. It is prescribed not only during treatment, but also during the recovery period.

Description of Acyclovir

Acyclovir refers to modern antiviral agents that are prescribed for herpes and some other infectious diseases. The main active ingredient is acyclovir. Acyclovir is available in several forms, which distinguishes it from Isoprinosine.

Dosage forms of the drug:

1. tablets of 200 and 400 mg;

2. solution;

3. ointment;

4. eye ointment;

5. cream.

Acyclovir has a direct antiviral effect, directly affecting viruses, inhibiting their reproduction. The active substance penetrates into infected cells, where it begins to show activity. Acyclovir does not affect the DNA of the cell and does not lead to mutations.

Research and effectiveness

In 1988, the drug developer won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for a molecular-targeted drug.

Kazantseva I.A. in the work «Clinical efficacy of Acyclovir and Valtresca in the treatment of recurrent herpes of the lips in children» presented the results of her study. According to him, the use of Acyclovir ointment reduced the period of rashes, but did not prevent their recurrence. Local remedies have shown less effectiveness than systemic drugs.

It was concluded that Acyclovir is more effective when administered in tablet form. Drugs of general action are better at coping with recurrent herpes.

Source: «Health and education in the XXI century» No. 7, 2006, V.8.

Contraindications

Acyclovir is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to the active substances in the composition. It is also contraindicated up to 3 years. Pregnant women are not prescribed due to the penetration of the drug through the placental barrier. When breastfeeding, the doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, having considered all the possible risks and correlated with the likely benefits.

Side effects

Allergic manifestations are common side effects. These are urticaria, itching, dyspnea, photosensitivity, anaphylactic shock and angioedema. This also includes dyspeptic symptoms, dizziness, diarrhea, hallucinations, nausea.

Other possible side effects are:

1. not often — seizures of epilepsy, increased fatigue, insomnia, headache, impaired consciousness, increased levels of bilirubin and creatinine;

2. rarely — anemia, leukopenia, renal failure, hepatitis, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, psychosis, depersonalization and derealization.

If you experience unwanted symptoms, you should temporarily stop using the product and seek the advice of a doctor. In case of local reactions, rinse the skin well under running water and no longer apply Acyclovir ointment and cream.

Dosage

Tablets are taken after meals, washed down with water. With the herpes simplex virus, 200 mg is shown 5 times with an interval of 4 hours. The duration of therapy is a week.

To prevent recurrence in protracted infections, 200 mg is used 4 times every 6 hours for 6-12 months. With immunosuppression of a pronounced nature, the same dosage.

For children, the medicine is prescribed at the rate of 20 mg / kg. The remedy is taken 4 times within 5 days. The maximum dosage of Acyclovir is 2 g.

When using an ointment, it is applied to the affected area of ​​​​the skin with a thin layer. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms disappear.

Who will suit

Acyclovir is an effective drug against the herpes simplex virus. The drug can be used for rashes on the face and mucous membranes. Also, the drug is effective for shingles and chicken pox. In the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, Acyclovir can be used, but at an increased dosage.

Cost and analogues

Comparative characteristics of the cost of drugs and their analogues:

Which drug is better

Acyclovir is best used for herpes infections. It effectively copes with the virus in a short time. Means Isoprinosine has a wider range of applications, it can be prescribed by a doctor for severe infectious diseases.

Acyclovir is more convenient to use, since it has several forms of release. At the same time, ointments and creams do not have such a strong effect as tablets. The advantage of Acyclovir will be its low cost, it is almost 10 times cheaper than Isoprinosine.

The choice of the drug remains with the doctor, who must determine the causative agent of the disease and select the most optimal treatment regimen. Self-medication can be dangerous.