Cycloferon

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Cycloferon

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Method of action: Interferon-Inducing

Treatment option: Influenza, Infection

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cycloferon

Property Description
Active ingredient Meglumine Acridоnacetate
Forms Tablets (enteric-coated), Injection Solution, Liniment
Pharmacological class Low Molecular Weight Interferon Inducer
Common use Immune modulation, Antiviral support
Origin Synthetic (derived from acridone acetic acid)

Pharmacological Class and Available Forms

Cycloferon is a synthetic medicinal product defined by its sole active ingredient, Meglumine Acridоnacetate, a compound which is a low-molecular-weight salt of 10-carboxymethyl-9-acridanone (Cridanimod) and N-methylglucamine. The medicine is primarily classified as a low molecular weight interferon inducer and an immunomodulatory drug, meaning it promotes the body's own defense mechanisms, rather than acting as a direct external inhibitor.

To facilitate various applications, Cycloferon is available in several dosage forms: enteric-coated tablets for oral intake, an injection solution for intramuscular or intravenous route of administration, and a liniment for topical use. This broad range allows for both systemic and localized approaches.


General Mechanism and Purpose

The general purpose of Cycloferon is etiotropic, a term indicating its action is directed at supporting the body in addressing the underlying cause, especially where enhanced immune system activity is beneficial. The core mechanism involves acting as a powerful trigger for host cells to rapidly produce and release their own endogenous interferons—the body's natural antiviral proteins. Meglumine Acridоnacetate functions as a rapid inducer of these key proteins, leading to a prompt increase in their levels. This indicates the medicine's role is to stimulate the body's natural defensive proteins to quickly establish an antiviral state, thereby enhancing the immune system's general resistance to a wide spectrum of viral challenges.

What side effects are possible with Cycloferon?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Meglumine Acridоnacetate (Cycloferon) is categorized in official regulatory documentation based on frequency and the body system affected. Adverse effects are organized into distinct System-Organ-Classes, with the most frequently observed effects generally involving the immune system and the site of administration.


Frequency and System-Organ-Class Classification

Adverse reactions that are classified as common in regulatory summaries include allergic reactions such as pruritus (itching) and rash. For the injectable form, reactions at the injection site—including pain, hyperemia (redness), and induration (hardening)—are also common occurrences. These local reactions are typically short-term and transient.

Effects classified as uncommon include dyspepsia (indigestion) affecting the Gastrointestinal System, and a transient leukopenia (a temporary reduction in white blood cells) affecting the Blood and Lymphatic System, along with mild fever.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents note that acute, severe allergic reactions, specifically angioedema (swelling beneath the skin), are possible, although their specific frequency is often designated as not known.

Safety is formally constrained by specific contraindications. The use of this medicine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the active substance, as well as in patients with severe hepatic impairment, including conditions like decompensated cirrhosis. Furthermore, it is officially contraindicated for women during pregnancy and lactation. The safety profile is documented for the pediatric population aged 4 years and older.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Officially documented information regarding Cycloferon (Meglumine Acridоnacetate) overdose, as stated in regulatory sources, describes a profile of low specific toxicity. Manifestations following high-dose exposure are typically limited to an intensification of expected adverse reactions. Clinical exposure may also be asymptomatic due to the compound’s reported high therapeutic margin. Regulatory documents note that no specific severe, life-threatening outcomes or specific physiological effects on major organ systems are formally recorded in the official overdose sections.

Required Emergency Actions and Management

Regulatory authorities mandate that immediate medical attention must be sought upon any known or suspected exposure to doses exceeding the maximum recommended level. This action is required to allow for appropriate observation and management. The official prescribing information specifies that no specific antidote is known for Meglumine Acridоnacetate overdose. Consequently, treatment is strictly defined as symptomatic and supportive, and non-specific elimination measures may be considered. Hospital monitoring may be required for continuous observation of vital signs and clinical status following excessive exposure. The official overdose summaries contain no specific warnings regarding altered overdose severity for pediatric, geriatric, or renally impaired populations.

Therapeutic Uses of Cycloferon

What Cycloferon Treats: Main Uses and Benefits


The primary therapeutic use of Cycloferon is to provide symptomatic support and enhance the body's natural resistance in specific clinical contexts, primarily those driven by viral challenges and immune system fluctuations. The active substance, Meglumine Acridоnacetate, is indicated for use in respiratory viral infections.

It is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, including Influenza and Acute Respiratory Viral Infections (ARVI), and in situations involving recurrent or episodic viral activity such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster. It is also relevant as a supportive component in the complex management of chronic viral hepatitis (B, C, D) and certain bacterial co-infections like tuberculosis.

The medication is applied when symptoms that interfere with daily functioning are present due to repeated outbreaks or acute illness. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load by addressing manifestations like fever, malaise, and localized lesions.

“This support is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden and assists with maintaining functional stability during challenging symptomatic phases.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute and Recurrent Symptoms

The therapeutic benefit may assist with managing symptoms that become more disruptive during flare-ups and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable. This provides supportive relief when symptoms that interfere with daily functioning are present.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Cycloferon is strictly defined by regulatory criteria, establishing both the authorized age range and a list of absolute contraindications for use.

Populations for Whom Use is Established

Use is established for adults aged 18 to 65 years inclusive who do not have any pre-existing contraindicating conditions. Individuals outside this age range are formally classified as having use not established or restricted.

Absolute Contraindications

The medicine is formally contraindicated and must not be used by patients with the following conditions or characteristics:

  • Known or suspected hypersensitivity to the active substance, Meglumine Acridоnacetate, or any other drug component.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding period.
  • Immunodeficiency, including a history of a positive test result for HIV types 1 or 2.
  • Decompensated liver cirrhosis or diseases of the thyroid gland.
  • Acute diseases of the digestive system, such as active erosions, gastric ulcers, or gastritis.
  • A history of alcoholism, drug addiction, or substance abuse.

The tablet formulation is also contraindicated in individuals with lactose intolerance. These documented restrictions define the precise regulatory boundaries for established use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Cycloferon (Meglumine Acridоnacetate) has an official regulatory profile that is defined by use restrictions and specific exclusion criteria documented in government-registered clinical trial protocols, rather than detailed drug-drug metabolic interaction summaries.

Interaction Scope and Constraints

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Specific Interacting Medicines No specific medicinal products are explicitly named in publicly indexed government regulatory summaries, although official protocols state the existence of "prohibited therapy" that must not be co-administered.
Mechanistic Basis No specific pharmacokinetic interactions (e.g., involving CYP enzymes or drug transporters) are explicitly documented in indexed regulatory summaries.
Substance Restrictions Administration is restricted in subjects with a history or presence of Alcoholism, drug addiction, substance and/or drug abuse, as defined by official clinical trial exclusion criteria.
Population Restrictions Use is officially excluded in patients presenting with Decompensated liver cirrhosis, which is defined in clinical trial exclusion criteria as a condition associated with heightened risk.

Official Interaction Structure

The structure is based on mandatory constraints that define conditions under which the product should not be administered. These official restrictions dictate the required separation of Cycloferon from certain substances (e.g., alcohol) and patient populations (e.g., hepatic impairment). The profile establishes regulatory constraints based on explicit exclusion criteria rather than standard metabolic pathway descriptions.

Mechanism of Action

Induction of the Host's Antiviral State

The core mechanism of Meglumine Acridоnacetate involves acting as an inductor of host immune cells, compelling them to synthesize and rapidly release large quantities of their own endogenous interferons (IFNs), particularly Type I IFNs (alpha and beta). This immediate molecular action engages intracellular signaling pathways to activate the necessary gene transcription for interferon production. The resulting physiological effect is the rapid establishment of a cellular antiviral state, where adjacent uninfected cells exhibit reduced susceptibility to pathogen replication.


️ Support for Cellular Immune Function

Beyond the initial antiviral cascade, the mechanism facilitates the continued induction of Type II Interferon (IFN-gamma) by specialized T-lymphocytes and Natural Killer (NK) cells. This sustained process is a key aspect of the drug's immunomodulatory profile, as it targets the body's adaptive defenses. This mechanism leads to the physiological consequence of modulation of cellular immunity, supporting the functional capacity of effector cells involved in the removal of compromised or infected host cells and supporting the rebalancing of immune functional parameters.


️ Influence on the Cytokine Network

The systemic presence of induced interferons exerts a regulatory effect on the wider cytokine network, which influences the body's inflammatory signaling balance. This downstream mechanism is associated with the influence on the release of certain pro-inflammatory mediators while supporting the restoration of proper immune signaling dynamics. Physiologically, this action contributes to shifts in the immune signaling profile, which are a downstream consequence of the primary induction effect.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Cycloferon: Official Administration Guidelines

Cycloferon (Meglumine Acridоnacetate) is administered according to distinct protocols based on the dosage form and the clinical scenario, following an intermittent, cyclic schedule. The administration method is highly dependent on the formulation, which includes enteric-coated tablets, a solution for injection, and a liniment.

Administration Routes and Dosing Patterns

The medication is administered via oral, intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), or topical routes. The overall treatment is characterized by cyclic regimens, where the dose is taken on specific, non-consecutive days, followed by mandatory rest periods.

For oral administration, the tablets are typically prescribed as a single daily dose on the scheduled dosing days. A standard adult dose frequently involves 600 mg, which corresponds to four 150 mg enteric-coated tablets per administration.

Classification Administration Detail
Administration Method Type Oral, Intramuscular/Intravenous, and Topical
Frequency Pattern Intermittent and Cyclic

Procedural and Population Constraints

The oral tablets are enteric-coated and must be swallowed whole to ensure the integrity of the coating and proper release of the active substance; crushing or chewing is a procedural restriction. For systemic administration, the solution is prepared for IM or IV injection. The oral form has specific use rules for younger patients, being officially indicated for use in children over 4 years old for certain indications, with dosages adjusted from the standard adult regimen. Adherence to the prescribed cyclic schedule (e.g., Days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8) and the prescribed course duration is central to the overall usage protocol.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Summary of Clinical Trials

Research has explored the effects of this anti-inflammatory drug, primarily in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is thought to act by selectively blocking certain inflammatory pathways. Most available data come from Phase 3, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).


Efficacy in Chronic Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Studies examined whether the drug could potentially reduce pain and inflammation in adults with moderately to severely active RA. In one key RCT spanning 52 weeks, patients receiving the drug, compared to those receiving placebo, reported changes in measures of disease activity, such as the DAS28 score. Research has examined its potential in reducing pain when used alongside methotrexate.

  • Dosage: Studies typically evaluated the lowest dose required to achieve the desired outcome as part of the trial design.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Further research investigated the use of the drug in AS patients. Similar to the RA trials, studies evaluated the effect on acute symptoms and reported whether patients met criteria for improvement after a 12-week induction phase.


Combination Use and Safety Profile

Combination Therapy

Studies comparing combination therapy to monotherapy have been conducted. Research has examined its use in combination with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in RA. Trial protocols typically require adherence to the prescribed regimen to maintain consistent study conditions.

Safety and Tolerability

Long-term safety profiles were evaluated in extension studies lasting up to two years. Studies evaluated changes in inflammation markers and monitored the incidence of adverse events, including gastrointestinal issues and infections. The most commonly reported side effects across the trials included headache and upper respiratory tract infection.

  • Withdrawals: The frequency of patient withdrawal due to adverse events was generally low across the studied groups.

Key Studies & References

  1. Use of Meglumine acridone acetate (MA) for treating patients with COVID-19 (Rapid Review, includes data on influenza trials and regulatory status)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cycloferon (FAQ)


Q: Does Cycloferon require a prescription?

According to the regulatory documents, Cycloferon tablets are classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. This classification generally means that the product is available for purchase without a prescription, though local pharmacy requirements should always be checked.


Q: What is the primary action of Cycloferon in the body?

Cycloferon is officially classified as an interferon inducer. The official product information states that its primary action is to stimulate the body to produce its own interferons, which are natural defensive proteins involved in the immune response. This process stimulates the production of immune-related proteins, which aligns with its classification.


Q: What type of infections is Cycloferon indicated for?

Regulatory documents indicate that Cycloferon is used in adults and children for the complex treatment of various viral infections. These approved uses include acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs), influenza, herpes infection, and the complex treatment of certain forms of viral hepatitis.


Q: Can Cycloferon be used in children?

Yes, official product information confirms that Cycloferon tablets are approved for use in children aged 4 years and older. The precise regimen and duration of treatment for pediatric use are determined by the prescribing information and depend on the specific medical condition being addressed.


Q: Is there a recommended time of day or relation to meals for taking Cycloferon?

According to the official product information, Cycloferon tablets should be taken once a day before eating. Official instructions state the tablets should be taken whole without chewing. This information relates to the official usage guidance provided with the product.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Cycloferon?

The official product information addresses missed doses by detailing a specific protocol for continuing the treatment course from the established schedule. This information is intended for the official instruction leaflet and provides guidance on how to resume the treatment without taking extra medication.


Q: Is Cycloferon approved for treating HIV infection?

Official information regarding Cycloferon does not list HIV infection as one of its approved indications. The regulatory documents specify its use for conditions like viral hepatitis, herpes, influenza, and acute respiratory viral infections.


Q: Is Cycloferon a probiotic or an antibiotic?

No, Cycloferon is neither an antibiotic nor a probiotic. According to its classification, it is an interferon inducer, a type of drug that modulates the immune system. Its function is to prompt the body's immune system to produce its own antiviral agents.


Q: Can Cycloferon be used with alcohol?

The official product information for Cycloferon does not explicitly prohibit the simultaneous use of the tablets with alcohol. However, official documents do not typically address the concurrent use of alcohol with the medication. Patients are generally advised to consult healthcare information regarding alcohol use during any illness or treatment.


Q: Is Cycloferon used to treat COVID-19?

Current regulatory documents for Cycloferon indicate its approved uses are for viral infections such as influenza, herpes, and viral hepatitis. COVID-19 is not currently listed as an approved indication in the official product information for the drug.


How should Cycloferon be stored and disposed of?

The official regulatory requirements for storing and disposing of Cycloferon (Meglumine Acridоnacetate) are strictly defined to maintain product stability and safety. The primary storage rules are based on temperature control and environmental protection.


Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store the product at a temperature that does not exceed 25 C (77 F).
  • Environmental Protection: The medicine must be protected from freezing and stored in a location that provides protection from light.
  • Packaging and Safety: The product must be stored in its original container and kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

  • Disposal Restriction: Unused or expired product must not be discarded in wastewater or mixed with regular household trash.
  • Official Procedure: Disposal of the unused product or waste material must be carried out according to local regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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