Other immunostimulants (local classification)
ATC code: L03AX-POLYOXIDONIUM (Azoximer bromide (Polyoxidonium) – local code)
The manufacturer claims immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and membrane-stabilizing effects from a synthetic polymer of N-oxidized polyethylenepiperazine. Marketed for infections, immunodeficiency, allergy, and as adjunctive cancer therapy. The molecule is not described as a therapeutic agent in international pharmacological literature. The 2020 claim of «efficacy in COVID-19» was not replicated in independent international RCTs. The Therapeutics and COVID-19 Living Guideline does not mention the drug.
Not recommended
Polyoxidonium for viral URI and influenza in adults and children is not mentioned in international guidelines. , , , and do not include it in viral infection standards. Standard URI care is symptomatic. Influenza-specific therapy: neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) and baloxavir; for COVID-19: nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in high-risk outpatients.
Not recommended
Polyoxidonium for allergic rhinitis is not mentioned in ARIA or guidelines. Evidence-based therapy: intranasal corticosteroids and second-generation H1 antagonists (loratadine, cetirizine), montelukast in severe cases, and allergen-specific immunotherapy in persistent disease.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Polyoxidonium (azoximer bromide) is positioned by Petrovax as a universal «immunomodulator» – from URI and herpes to tuberculosis and oncology. The drug is not registered internationally and is absent from , , , and guidelines. No independent multicentre RCTs with clinical outcomes by current standards have been published.
Not recommended
Use of polyoxidonium as an «immunomodulator» for URI prevention in frequently ill children and adults is not supported by international guidelines. Proven preventive measures: vaccination (flu, pneumococcus, COVID-19), hand hygiene, ventilation, and masking during epidemics.
Not recommended
Polyoxidonium for COVID-19 is not mentioned in the Therapeutics and COVID-19 Living Guideline or NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. In hospitalized patients with hypoxemia, evidence-based therapies include dexamethasone, remdesivir, and tocilizumab in specific groups. In high-risk outpatients: nirmatrelvir/ritonavir within the first 5 days.
Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label. No international recommendations.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.
azoximer bromide is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), Prophylaxis of acute respiratory infections (evidence tier F), Allergic rhinitis (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of azoximer bromide (≥ 1 in 100): Pain and redness at the injection site, Allergic reactions (rare). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label. No international recommendations.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.
azoximer bromide is contraindicated in: Pregnancy; Breastfeeding; Age under 6 months; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.
the notion of a generic «immune system» liftable by a single tablet or injection does not align with modern immunology. Most frequently ill children and adults face high exposure in groups, poor sleep, or vitamin D deficiency — rarely true immunodeficiency, which requires specialist workup.
URI is self-limited and lasts 5–10 days regardless of polyoxidonium use. International guidelines do not support any 'immunomodulators' in URI.