Index
It is an alkylamino-alcohol complex of inosine used to treat various viral infections.
Unlike other antiviral agents, it works by modifying or stimulating cell-mediated immune processes rather than acting directly on the virus.
The chemical formula of metisoprinol
- C52H78N10O17.
Presentation
- Tablets: boxed with 20 tablets of 500 mg.
- Syrup: in a 60 ml bottle and a measuring cup (250 mg of metisoprinol for every 5 ml of syrup).
Indications of metisoprinol
Metisoprinol is an antiviral medication used to control infections caused by the herpes virus, such as cold and facial herpes simplex, Genital Herpes, and shingles.
It is also used to treat childhood viral rashes such as chickenpox, measles, and rubella.
It is viral infections such as genital warts, rhinopharyngitis of viral etiology, mumps, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and hepatitis A.
Mechanism of action
Metisoprinol has two complementary and independent mechanisms of action:
Antivirus action
Metisoprinol works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus in the body, preventing viral replication by blocking any unspecified genetic information in the virus-cell.
Pro guest action
Metisoprinol has indirect antiviral activity by stimulating the immune response. Before the appearance of infecting viruses, the natural immune response of the organism increases to combat it.
This immunostimulant intervenes both on the cellular and humeral components of the immune response.
It stimulates the activity of macrophages, B, and T lymphocytes and potentiates the action of some lymphokines, which helps increase the body’s ability to fight these infections.
Dose
Metisoprinol is given by mouth six times a day (every 4 hours).
In children:
- From 1 to 12 months: ½ teaspoon should be given.
- From 1 to 5 years: 1 teaspoon should be given.
- From 5 to 12 years: 1½ teaspoon should be given.
In adults:
- In the initial dose, two tablets should be administered in the first dose, and it should be continued with one tablet every 4 hours.
- 50 to 100 mg per kg per day should be administered in divided doses every 4 hours in the ponderal dose.
- Regarding the duration of treatment, it is recommended for Herpes to continue the treatment for 7 to 14 days; for the associated treatment of genital condyloma, continue the treatment for 14 to 28 days.
- According to the evolution of the viral picture, the doses may be modified according to the doctor’s criteria.
The maximum dosage is 4,000 milligrams per day.
Side effects of metisoprinol
The most common side effect is increased uric acid levels in the blood and urine. These alterations usually return to their values once treatment is discontinued.
Monitoring these levels is necessary, which can cause conditions such as gout and kidney stones.
Other observed side effects are transient alterations in the central nervous system, the digestive system, liver, cardiovascular and hematological functions.
Warnings and Contraindications
The prescribed dosing regimen should be completed even if symptoms disappear after a few days of treatment.
If you miss a dose and it is not close to the time of the next dose, you can take medicine as soon as you remember, continuing with the regular schedule prescribed by the doctor.
Two doses should not be taken simultaneously, and treatment should not be prolonged beyond the time recommended by the doctor.
It is not recommended for patients with:
- History of urinary lithiasis.
- Drop Background.
- History of hyperuricemia.
- Nephrolithiasis or kidney disorders.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the formula.
- Hypersensitivity to xanthic derivatives.
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Although it lacks teratogenic action, its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not yet been established.
Metisoprinol interactions
Clinical experience has shown no alterations in laboratory parameters, except an increase in serum and urinary uric acid.
Gastrointestinal topicals, antacids, can decrease the absorption of the drug if it is ingested simultaneously.
Generally, it is recommended that medications be taken with an interval of more than 2 hours between each dose, if possible.
