Inosine pranobex
Pronunciation: IN-oh-seen PRAN-oh-becks.
- Generic name
- inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol)
- Drug class
- Synthetic purine derivative -- immunomodulator with antiviral activity
- Form
- Tablet, 500 mg
- Route
- Oral
- Legal status
- Prescription-only
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United Kingdom · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol) is and how it works
Inosine pranobex is a prescription-only immune-supporting (immunomodulator) medicine with antiviral activity. It is used for certain viral infections of the skin and nervous system rather than as a general antiviral for all infections. (1)
Take inosine pranobex exactly as your prescriber directs. It is not authorised in every country, and your exact dose and length of treatment depend on the specific infection being treated -- it is not a fixed dose for everyone.
Mechanism of action: how inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol) works
Inosine pranobex is a synthetic purine derivative combining inosine with an acetamidobenzoate/dimethylaminopropanol salt. It is believed to enhance host antiviral immune responses (Th1-type activation, T-lymphocyte maturation, natural killer cell activity, and cytokine production including IL-1, IL-2, and interferon-gamma) rather than acting as a direct antiviral agent. (1)
What inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol) is used for
Herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes
Used to treat mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections (types I and II), such as cold sores or genital herpes flares, as directed by a prescriber. (1)
Genital warts (adjunctive therapy)
Used alongside other treatments such as podophyllin or laser therapy for genital warts, as directed by a prescriber. (1)
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
Used as part of specialist treatment for SSPE, a rare, serious, progressive brain condition linked to earlier measles infection. (1)
Before taking inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take inosine pranobex if you have gout or currently raised blood uric acid levels (hyperuricaemia). (all countries) (1)
- Do not take inosine pranobex if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. (all countries) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any history of gout, hyperuricaemia, kidney stones (urolithiasis), or kidney problems.
- Any wheat allergy, since some formulations contain wheat starch.
- All other medicines you take, including diuretics ('water tablets'), medicines for gout, or immunosuppressant medicines.
- If you are taking zidovudine (AZT) or other HIV medicines.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
How to take inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol)
- Take by mouth, in 3 to 4 divided doses spread across your waking hours, exactly as your prescriber directs.
- Complete the full course length your prescriber recommends for your specific infection.
- If you are on long-term treatment, keep all appointments for blood and urine monitoring.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose -- do not take a double dose. Contact your prescriber if you are unsure, especially during a short treatment course.
Overdose
No cases of serious harm from overdose have been reported beyond a temporary rise in uric acid levels, but contact your prescriber, pharmacist, or local poisons information service if you think too much has been taken. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
Increased blood and urine uric acid levels (very common) -- usually without symptoms but monitored by blood/urine tests.
What to notice: Increased blood and urine uric acid levels (very common) -- usually without symptoms but monitored by blood/urine tests.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Nausea, vomiting, or upper stomach discomfort.
What to notice: Nausea, vomiting, or upper stomach discomfort.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Headache or dizziness (vertigo).
What to notice: Headache or dizziness (vertigo).
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Rash or itching (pruritus).
What to notice: Rash or itching (pruritus).
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Joint pain (arthralgia), tiredness, or a general feeling of being unwell.
What to notice: Joint pain (arthralgia), tiredness, or a general feeling of being unwell.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)
Serious warnings
Signs of gout or a marked rise in uric acid — high caution
Symptoms: Sudden joint pain, swelling and warmth (often in the big toe), or flank pain that could suggest a kidney stone.
Action: Tell your prescriber promptly. Regular blood and urine uric acid monitoring is used during treatment, especially for longer courses. (1)
Signs of a serious allergic reaction — emergency
Symptoms: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; widespread hives or rash.
Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately. (1)
Interactions
- Medicines that affect uric acid handling, such as diuretics ('water tablets'), gout medicines that block xanthine oxidase, or uricosuric medicines, may need closer monitoring when combined. (1)
- Not generally recommended together with immunosuppressant medicines, since they work against inosine pranobex's immune-supporting effect. (1)
- Can increase blood levels and cell uptake of zidovudine (AZT), an HIV medicine -- tell your prescriber if you take this. (1)
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not generally recommended during pregnancy unless your prescriber judges the benefit outweighs the risk. Animal studies did not show clear evidence of birth-defect risk, but there is not enough controlled human data to be certain. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether inosine pranobex passes into breast milk. Discuss the benefits and risks with your prescriber before breastfeeding. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Children
Use in children is only as directed by a specialist prescriber, particularly for conditions such as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment based on age alone is described in the source reviewed, but individual monitoring applies regardless of age. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Not specifically addressed in the source reviewed; tell your prescriber about any liver problems. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and closer monitoring, since kidney problems can affect uric acid clearance and raise the risk of kidney stones. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Source_ids
Monitoring
Before starting
- Baseline blood uric acid level
- History of gout, kidney stones, or kidney problems
- Review of other medicines, especially diuretics and gout medicines
During treatment
- Periodic blood and urine uric acid checks, especially for longer courses.
- Liver function, blood counts, and kidney function monitoring during long-term treatment.
- Watching for symptoms of gout or kidney stones.
Storage
Store according to the pack instructions. No special storage conditions are required for this product; it has a shelf life of 5 years from manufacture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current UK SmPC; verify against the current full label before prescribing.
United Kingdom
Indication: Mucocutaneous herpes simplex, genital warts (adjunct), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Dose summary: Adults: approx. 50-100 mg/kg/day, usually 3g/day (max 4g/day) in 3-4 divided doses. Herpes simplex: 1g four times daily for 7-14 days. Genital warts (adjunct): 1g three times daily for 14-28 days. SSPE: 50-100mg/kg/day (max 3-4g) in divided doses every 4 hours, specialist-directed.
Renal context: Use with caution in renal impairment; uric acid clearance may be reduced, increasing risk of urolithiasis -- closer monitoring recommended. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Not specifically addressed in the source reviewed; monitor liver function during long-term treatment as a general precaution.
Overdose note
No serious overdose toxicity has been reported beyond transient hyperuricaemia; management is supportive, with monitoring of uric acid and renal function as needed. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Is inosine pranobex (Imunovir) available in the US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?
It is authorised in the UK, in several other EU/EEA countries, and in Canada. It is not approved by the US FDA. Its authorisation status in Australia and New Zealand could not be confirmed and is genuinely unable to be verified from available regulator sources at this time. (1) (3) (4) (2)
Why does inosine pranobex need uric acid monitoring?
Inosine pranobex is metabolised in a way that can temporarily raise blood and urine uric acid levels. This is why it should not be used by people with gout or existing high uric acid, and why longer courses involve periodic blood and urine tests. (1)
What is inosine pranobex used for?
Where it is authorised, inosine pranobex is used to treat mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections (cold sores and genital herpes), as an add-on treatment for genital warts alongside other therapies, and for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare complication of measles infection. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol)?
Inosine pranobex is a synthetic purine derivative combining inosine with an acetamidobenzoate/dimethylaminopropanol salt. It is believed to enhance host antiviral immune responses (Th1-type activation, T-lymphocyte maturation, natural killer cell activity, and cytokine production including IL-1, IL-2, and interferon-gamma) rather than acting as a direct antiviral agent. (1)
What is the generic name of Inosine pranobex?
The generic name is inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol). (1)
What class of drug is inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol)?
Inosine pranobex is classed as: Synthetic purine derivative -- immunomodulator with antiviral activity. (1)
References
- Imunovir 500mg Tablets -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- Kora Healthcare · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 1
- Confirmation that inosine pranobex/Imunovir has no US FDA approvalGeneral regulatory-status research (no FDA-approved product exists) · United States · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 2
- Inosine pranobex -- list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA/00010425/202308)European Medicines Agency (EMA), Periodic Safety Update Report Single Assessment (PSUSA) · European Union · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 3
- IMUNOVIR (inosine pranobex 500 mg tablets) -- Product MonographHealth Canada, Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monograph · Canada · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 4
- ARTG search for inosine pranobex / Imunovir -- no confirmed entry foundTherapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia -- ARTG search · Australia · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 5
- Medsafe product search for inosine pranobex / Imunovir -- no confirmed entry foundMedsafe, New Zealand -- product search · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient inosine pranobex (inosine acedoben dimepranol) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United Kingdom
- Imunovir (1)UK licensed emc smpc confirmed · 500 mg tablet · Kora Healthcare
Canada
- IMUNOVIR
View brands in additional countries.
European Union
Imunovir (and other national brand names) (3)