Is Grandaxin effective for depression?

Registration number: R N001049/02 dated 12/12/2007 Tradename: CYCLOFERON® (СYCLOFERON®) Dosage form: enteric-coated tablets Group name: meglumine acridone acetate

Composition of the drug Pharmacological properties Indications for use Contraindications

Directions for use and dosage Side effects Interaction with other drugs

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Cycloferon is a low-molecular-weight interferon inducer, which determines a wide range of its biological activity (antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, etc.). Cycloferon is effective against herpes viruses, influenza and other pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. It has a direct antiviral effect, suppressing viral reproduction in the early stages (days 1–5) of the infectious process, reducing the infectivity of viral offspring, leading to the formation of defective viral particles. Increases the body's nonspecific resistance to viral and bacterial infections.

Pharmacokinetics

When taking a daily dose, the maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached after 2–3 hours, gradually decreases by the 8th hour, and after 24 hours Cycloferon is detected in trace amounts. The half-life of the drug is 4–5 hours, so its use in recommended doses does not create conditions for accumulation in the body.

Description, composition and release form

Cycloferon is considered a domestically produced medicine. It is produced in several forms:

• tablets for oral administration. Sold in packaging;
• ointment and gel, distinguished by a specific odor. Sold in tubes;
• solution in ampoules.

An antiviral drug can improve the resistance of the human body. The drug has high pharmacological activity. Used to treat viral and bacterial diseases, as well as to strengthen the immune system. Cycloferon has a broad effect. This remedy has been known for several decades. During this time, doctors and patients were able to verify its effectiveness for various diseases.

The main active ingredient is the compound acridoneacetic acid. Additional components include:

• tablets contain: polymers, cellulose, povidones, Ca salts;
• in the form of gels and ointments: meglumines, benzalkonium;
• solution: sterile water, meglumines.

Directions for use and doses

Orally once a day 30 minutes before meals, without chewing, with ½ glass of water, in age-specific dosages:

• children 4–6 years old: 150 mg (1 tablet) per dose;
• children 7–11 years old: 300–450 mg (2–3 tablets) per dose;
• adults and children over 12 years of age: 450–600 mg (3–4 tablets) per dose.

It is advisable to repeat the course 2–3 weeks after the end of the first course.

In adults:

1. When treating influenza and acute respiratory diseases, the drug is taken on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 (course of treatment - 20 tablets). Treatment should begin at the first symptoms of the disease. For severe flu, take six tablets on the first day. If necessary, additional symptomatic therapy is carried out (antipyretics, analgesics, expectorants).
2. For herpes infection, the drug is taken on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 (course of treatment - 40 tablets). Treatment is most effective when the first symptoms of the disease appear.

In children from four years of age:

1. For influenza and acute respiratory diseases, the drug is taken in age-specific doses on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23. The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 10 doses, depending on the severity of the condition and the severity of clinical symptoms.
2. For herpes infection, the drug is taken on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th day of treatment. The course of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the severity of clinical symptoms.
3. For emergency nonspecific prevention of influenza and acute respiratory diseases (in direct contact with patients with influenza or acute respiratory infections of another etiology, during an influenza epidemic): on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th day. Next, take a break of 72 hours (three days) and continue the course on the 11th, 14th, 17th, 20th, 23rd day. The general course is from 5 to 10 doses.

Indications for use

The drug in the form of tablets and solution can be taken for the following conditions:

• ARVI;
• herpes;
• Lyme disease;
• secondary immunodeficiency;
• candidiasis of various etiologies;
• condylomas;
• serous meningitis.

This is not the entire list of diseases for which Cycloferon helps. Only a doctor can prescribe medication after examination and diagnosis.

Children are allowed to take the product from 4 years of age. Indications for use in pediatrics:

• flu;
• hepatitis B and C;
• intestinal infections;
• acute respiratory infections.

Side effects

According to the World Health Organization, adverse effects are classified according to their frequency as follows:

– very frequent (≥ 1/10); – frequent (≥ 1/100 – < 1/10); – uncommon (≥ 1/1000 – < 1/100); – rare (≥ 1/10000 – < 1/1000); – very rare (< 1/10000); – frequency unknown (cannot be determined based on available data). Immune system disorders: very rarely - angioedema. Disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissues: very rarely - rash, urticaria. If any of the undesirable effects indicated in the instructions get worse or you notice any other undesirable effects not listed in the instructions, tell your doctor.

Contraindications and adverse reactions

The drug has the following contraindications:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• thyroid disease;
• children under 4 years old;
• excessive sensitivity to constituent components.

Taking Cycloferon can in rare cases lead to side effects. These include:

• hyperthermia of the skin;
• allergies in the form of redness, rash and itching;
• vomiting and nausea;
• elevated temperature.

If such symptoms are found, then you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor to select a suitable analogue.

Why do doctors recommend using Cycloferon (table)

1. Cycloferon has a direct antiviral effect, helping to block the activity of influenza and ARVI viruses.
2. It has a wide range of antiviral activity* and is used against various influenza viruses, including influenza viruses type A (H3N2) and (H1N1) - “Hong Kong” and “swine” flu, and other pathogens of acute respiratory diseases, as well as herpes.
3. Increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases caused by influenza and ARVI viruses, as it stimulates the activity of its own immunity**.
4. Cycloferon has an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Helps reduce the frequency, severity and duration of viral infections, including colds and flu**.
6. Cycloferon does not put additional stress on the liver and is almost completely eliminated from the body within a day. Avoiding additional stress on the liver is very important, especially in the case of prescribing antibiotics, which can be used when bacterial complications occur in combination with the main antiviral therapy.
7. Does not reduce the therapeutic effect even with frequent use**.
8. Compatible with various drugs to relieve symptoms of flu and colds (antipyretic, expectorant, analgesic, etc.).
9. Within 2-3 hours from the moment of administration, the maximum concentration of the active substance in the patient’s blood is observed and the antiviral effect of the drug begins.

Due to its properties, Cycloferon is included in the Temporary guidelines “Drug therapy of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in outpatient practice during the COVID-19 epidemic” version 2 dated April 16, 2020, and also as an interferon inducer included in the Temporary guidelines “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)” version 9 dated October 26, 2020***

Basic regimen for taking Cycloferon (table) for colds and flu

The regimen for taking Cycloferon was developed taking into account the characteristics of the human immune system. Cycloferon (table) should be taken once a day, half an hour before meals, with ½ glass of water. At the beginning of treatment, the tablets are taken for two days in a row (days 1, 2), after which it is necessary to take a break for one day and continue taking the drug on the fourth day of treatment. Next, Cycloferon is taken every other day (days 6 and 8 of treatment), without changing the dosage.

The tablets cannot be chewed - they are coated with a special enteric coating designed to transport the active substance through the stomach to the intestines, where the active substance is absorbed and subsequently distributed to areas affected by the viral infection. The destruction of tablets at the time of administration (crushing, resorption, chewing) leads to a decrease in the therapeutic effect.

If the next dose of Cycloferon was missed, then at the first opportunity you should continue the course of treatment according to the basic regimen, every other day, without changing the dosage.

If the necessary break between doses of the drug has not been taken, you should skip 2 days, and then continue taking Cycloferon (table) according to the schedule every other day.

Grandaxin and other tranquilizers

Due to its mild and selective effect, the drug has a minimum of side effects, unlike other anxiolytics. It does not cause the negative consequences inherent in most representatives of this group. The main ones are:

1. "Behavioral Toxicity." Manifested by increased sleepiness during the day, weakness and malaise. Characterized by decreased reaction speed and inability to concentrate. Coordination of movements is impaired, and confusion may occur.
2. Addiction. A common problem when taking tranquilizers. There is a possibility that it will worsen even to substance abuse. But more often, addiction develops with long-term treatment with such drugs, with an unauthorized increase in dose or concurrent use of alcohol.
3. Withdrawal syndrome occurs when you suddenly stop using a tranquilizer. In this case, the symptoms of the disease return to the patient in a more pronounced or even complicated form.

Grandaxin does not exhibit such complications. It is low-toxic and resistance to it is not developed upon repeated use. Therefore, it is taken during the daytime.

The drug does not reduce physical and mental activity and does not lead to drowsiness. It does not suppress the efficiency of perception, the speed of reactions, and does not interfere with professional activities.

Pharmacological group

Grandaxin is classified as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drug or tranquilizer. Most representatives of this group, in addition to anti-anxiety effects, also exhibit others, including:

• sedative – decreased mental and motor activity;
• hypnotic;
• anticonvulsant;
• muscle relaxant - relaxing.

Such effects make it impossible to take such drugs during the day while driving.

Grandaxin is a fundamentally new tranquilizer with a pronounced anxiolytic effect. Its active ingredient is tofisopam, an atypical benzodiazepine derivative. It is synthesized by transforming the molecular structure of diazepam. Thanks to this feature, it is not capable of causing addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

The action of benzodiazepines is based on increasing the sensitivity of receptors to GABA - gamma-aminobutyric acid. This is the main neurotransmitter that causes inhibition in the brain and thereby stops excitement and has a calming effect. However, its excess provokes the opposite reaction - hyperactivity, anxiety, trembling in the arms and legs.

All benzodiazepines are divided into 3 classes, taking into account the predominant effect:

• with anxiolytic;
• with sleeping pills;
• with anticonvulsant effect.

Most representatives have all of the listed properties with one pronounced one. Grandaxin has an anti-anxiety effect, and other manifestations are practically absent.

Considering that the drug does not cause a feeling of drowsiness, relaxation and lethargy, and does not interfere with concentration, it is called a daytime tranquilizer and it is allowed to combine its use with driving, but only after consulting a doctor.