The drug "Groprinosin" is used for herpes. With the help of pharmaceuticals, it is possible to get rid of the virus in the shortest possible time and prolong the time of remission. Despite the fact that the medicine is used quite often in medical practice, it is not suitable for all patients, since it has a number of contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with before starting use.
Pharmacological action of Groprinosin
Groprinosin is an immunostimulant with an antiviral effect. The drug is a complex of the salt of 4-acetamidobenzoic acid and inosine with N,N-dimethylamino-2-propanol.
The drug blocks the reproduction of viruses due to damage to their genetic apparatus, activates the activity of macrophages, the process of proliferation of lymphocytes and the production of cytokines.
Groprinosin increases the body's resistance, reduces the manifestations of viral diseases and accelerates the process of convalescence.
The use of Groprinosin as an adjuvant for lesions of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the Herpes simplex virus helps to accelerate the healing of the affected areas. At the same time, swelling, new blisters, erosions and relapses of the disease appear much less frequently.
Timely use of this drug leads to a decrease in the frequency of viral infections, a reduction in the duration and severity of the disease.
Composition and release form of the drug
The antiviral drug Groprinosin is available in two dosage forms:
- clear and sweet-tasting syrup (sold in 150 ml bottles);
- oblong white tablets (placed in blisters, 10 pieces each).
The main active component of Groprinosin is a substance called inosine pranobex. So, 5 ml of syrup contains 250 mg, and one tablet contains 500 mg. Excipients include:
- for syrup: methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium saccharin, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sucrose, ethanol 96%, glycerin, raspberry flavor, water;
- for tablets: polyvinylpyrrolidone, potato starch, magnesium stearate.
Contraindications to the use of Groprinosin
According to the instructions, Groprinosin cannot be used for:
- urolithiasis;
- gout;
- chronic renal failure;
- arrhythmias;
- increased level of sensitivity of the body to the components included in the drug;
- pregnancy and lactation;
and also at the age of three years (with a weight of up to 15-20 kg).
Groprinosin is used cautiously in acute renal failure, as well as simultaneously with diuretics, zidovudine, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
Characteristics of Acyclovir
This is an antiviral drug with immunostimulating properties. Its active ingredient, acyclovir, is similar in structure to purine nucleosides, which are constituent elements of DNA molecules. In infected cells, under the influence of a viral enzyme, it is converted into an active phosphate form, integrated into the DNA of the virus and blocks further addition of nucleotides, causing premature termination of the DNA chain. This disrupts the process of virus reproduction.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug with immunostimulating properties.
The drug is selective and does not affect the synthesis of human DNA. It does not affect fertility, has no teratogenic or carcinogenic effects, but exhibits nephrotoxic properties. It is most effective against herpesvirus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, the causative agent of chickenpox and the Epstein-Barr virus. With prolonged therapy with Acyclovir, viral strains that are resistant to the action of the drug appear in patients with weak immunity.
After oral administration, the active compound is partially absorbed in the intestine. Bioavailability does not exceed 30%. Absorption does not depend on the degree of gastric fullness and decreases as the dosage increases. The maximum concentration in the blood is detected 1.5-2 hours after oral administration, and after drip administration - after 1 hour. Up to 33% of acyclovir is bound to plasma proteins.
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The drug penetrates into the cerebrospinal fluid, where its concentration is half that in plasma. It is distributed in various organs and fluids, concentrating in the greatest quantities in the intestines and renal-hepatic structures.
Metabolization is incomplete and is carried out by the liver. The main route of elimination is through the urinary apparatus. Part of the product is evacuated with feces and is fixed in trace amounts in the exhaled air. The half-life is about 3 hours, with renal dysfunction - up to 20 hours. Acyclovir is partially (up to 60%) removed by hemodialysis.
The medication is available in the form of tablets, lyophilisate for the preparation of infusion fluid, ophthalmic ointment, ointment and cream for local or external application. When using Acyclovir on damaged areas of the skin, the active component is absorbed in moderate quantities. The eye ointment acts at the local level, penetrating the cornea in a therapeutically effective concentration.
Indications for use of the drug:
- acute and recurrent herpetic infections, including genital herpes;
- stomatitis, gingivitis, pharyngolaryngitis caused by the activity of Herpes simplex;
- shingles;
- chicken pox;
- herpetic keratitis;
- prevention of relapses of herpes, including in patients with reduced immunity.
The medicine should not be prescribed if the composition is intolerant. Caution is required for kidney disease, dehydration, and neurological abnormalities. The drug penetrates the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk, so it should be used during pregnancy and lactation only when absolutely necessary.
The use of high dosages requires increased drinking regimen.
Systemic use of the drug may cause:
- nausea;
- headache;
- drowsiness;
- increased levels of creatinine and urea;
- renal failure;
- myalgia;
- paresthesia, tremor, convulsions;
- peripheral edema;
- alopecia;
- allergies.
Ointment products can cause a rash, itching, burning, and inflammation.
Method of application and dosage of Groprinosin
The medicine is intended for oral administration.
Groprinosin tablets are taken after meals with water at regular intervals (6 or 8 hours).
Dosage of Groprinosin:
- children 3-12 years old – 50 mg per kg of body weight per day (3-4 doses);
- adults – 6-8 tablets per day (3-4 doses).
The dosage in case of severe infectious diseases can be increased to 100 mg per kg of body weight per day (4-6 doses).
The maximum dosage for adults is 3-4 g per day, for children – 50 mg per kg of body weight per day.
Duration of treatment:
- for chronic diseases - courses of 5-10 days with breaks of 8 days;
- for acute diseases – 5-14 days. When the symptoms of the disease pass, treatment should be continued for another 1-2 days;
- for infections caused by the herpes virus - several courses of 5-10 days until the symptoms of the disease disappear. In order to reduce the number of relapses, maintenance therapy should be carried out throughout the month, taking 1 tablet of Groprinosin 2 times a day.
Maintenance treatment can last up to 1 month, the dosage of the drug is reduced to 0.5-1 g per day.
Drug analogues
Pharmacies offer a wide selection of medicines that have a similar effect on the body as Groprinosin. There is only one medicine that contains the same active substance - “Isoprinosine”. Analogues by mechanism of action:
- "Arbidol";
- "Ferrovir";
- "Hyporamine";
- "Thyroxine";
- "Oksolin";
- "Ergoferon".
Despite the fact that the above pharmaceuticals have a similar effect on the body as Groprinosin, their choice should be made exclusively by the treating doctor. Self-medication of herpes not only risks not getting rid of the disease, but also causes serious harm to your health. If you suspect the development of herpes, especially in young children, it is important to immediately visit a medical facility, where a specialist will conduct an examination and the required diagnosis, and only after that will be able to prescribe the correct medication that is most effective for each individual patient.
Side effects of Groprinosin
According to reviews, Groprinosin may cause side effects.
Gastrointestinal tract: decreased appetite, nausea, epigastric pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.
Nervous system: dizziness, headache, poor health, fatigue, drowsiness, nervousness, insomnia.
Kidneys and urinary tract: polyuria.
Hepatobiliary system: increased activity of alkaline phosphatase and liver enzymes.
Musculoskeletal system: exacerbation of gout, joint pain.
Skin and subcutaneous fat: rashes, itching.
Allergic reactions: urticaria, maculopapular rash, angioedema.
Other: increased levels of urea nitrogen in the blood.
Indications
The drug we are considering has a fairly wide spectrum of action in comparison with other drugs from the antiviral group. So, Groprinosin is used for:
- herpetic diseases of the skin and mucous membranes;
- herpes zoster and chicken pox;
- papillomavirus infection;
- the presence of condylomas near the anus and external genitalia;
- immunodeficiency states caused by viral infections (measles, chickenpox, mumps, etc.);
- infectious viral diseases (influenza, parainfluenza, etc.);
- chronic viral respiratory tract infections;
- chronic viral infections of the genitourinary system;
- subacute sclerosing panencephalitis;
- viral hepatitis;
- infectious mononucleosis.
special instructions
According to patient reviews, it is best to start treatment with Groprinosin at the earliest stages of infection (from the first day).
Long-term use of the drug requires periodic monitoring of the level of uric acid in urine and blood serum. Patients who have significantly increased concentrations of uric acid can simultaneously take medications that help reduce its levels.
When taking Groprinosin together with drugs that increase uric acid levels or drugs that interfere with kidney function, the level of uric acid in the serum should be monitored.
Persons with acute liver failure should take the drug with caution, since the drug is metabolized in the liver.
Patients with liver failure should monitor urine and serum uric acid levels every two weeks. Monitoring liver enzyme activity is recommended every four weeks.
It is necessary to take into account that Groprinosin can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which is important when driving a car and other mechanisms, as well as performing other work associated with high concentration and quick reactions.
Can Groprinosin be used by children and pregnant women?
In different countries, there are different age restrictions on the use of Groprinosin in childhood. For example, in the Russian Federation it is permissible to use pharmaceuticals from the age of 3 years. Despite this, the vast majority of doctors agree that the medication can be prescribed to children over one year of age. This is due to the fact that medical practice for many years has shown that pharmaceuticals do not cause adverse reactions and complications in childhood. As for women who are expecting a child or are breastfeeding, the situation is the opposite - the drug is not prescribed during these periods, since there is a risk of developing pathologies in the fetus or infant.
Reviews
Elena: “Every family has its own antiviral drug, to which the hand reaches at the first symptoms of a cold. For us it is Groprinosin. For viral diseases, we drink it with the whole family. The younger one drinks it in syrup form. “In my opinion, this is one of the most effective antiviral agents.”
Ksenia: “I have known Groprinosin for quite a long time. Our good family friend works as a therapist, and he always praised this drug, saying that it was a very powerful tool for fighting viruses. I drink it myself, and when my son grew up a little, I started giving it to him. We are satisfied with everything, there are no side effects from it.”
Maria: “The doctor prescribed these pills for my 3-year-old child to treat ARVI. The tablets are quite expensive and I heard they are strong. However, after 7 days of taking it, we did not feel any better. And our ARVI turned into a purulent sore throat. I don’t know for sure whether this drug is so ineffective, or whether the doctor prescribed the treatment incorrectly, but the fact remains a fact.”
Inna: “This drug really works magically when you have just noticed the first “signals” of a cold. It has been proven that if you drink it at the very, very beginning of the disease, you can completely avoid the disease. But even if you start taking it “at the height of” the infection, it will also help.”
Polina: “Groprinosin helped me get rid of the papilloma virus. True, at first I was confused by this choice of drug, however, after 3 months of taking it, the tests still came back good. After this, I took it several times during colds. It really puts you on your feet quickly.”
