Other antivirals (local classification)
ATC code: J05AX-TILORONE (Tilorone (local code))
The manufacturer claims induction of endogenous interferons (alpha, beta, gamma) in intestinal epithelium and lymphocytes. Tilorone was synthesised in the United States in the 1970s as an oral interferon inducer, but clinical trials were discontinued due to lack of clinical efficacy and toxicity signals. Current international sources do not mention tilorone as an antiviral agent.
Not recommended
Viral URI is a self-limited illness that does not require etiotropic therapy. International guidelines support only symptomatic care: antipyretics for fever, adequate hydration, and rest. Tilorone is not considered for this purpose in international sources.
Not recommended
The Therapeutics Living Guideline and NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines do not mention tilorone. In 2020-2022 Russia massively prescribed the drug in outpatient COVID-19 care without international evidence support. Agents with established benefit are nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in high-risk outpatients, remdesivir, corticosteroids, and tocilizumab in hospitalised patients.
Not recommended
For herpes simplex management, international guidelines (CDC STI Treatment Guidelines 2021, IUSTI 2017) list aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir. Tilorone is not mentioned.
Not recommended
International influenza guidelines (, 2018, NG191) do not mention tilorone. Proven antivirals are neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir. Independent RCTs of tilorone have not been published in the Cochrane Library or PubMed outside Russian and Ukrainian sources.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Tilorone (Amixin, Lavomax) is a Soviet-era interferon inducer prescribed in Russia and the CIS «for immunity». The drug is not registered internationally and is absent from , , , or guidelines. Cases of drug-induced corneal and retinal deposits are described with prolonged use – tilorone is an amphiphilic cationic molecule that accumulates in ocular tissues.
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Safety data have not been published.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
tilorone is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), Influenza (evidence tier F), Herpes simplex (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of tilorone (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label: dyspepsia, brief chills, Allergic reactions. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Safety data have not been published.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding.
tilorone is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to any component; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 7 years. Full list in the Safety section.
interferon induction in vitro or in animal models does not translate to clinical efficacy in influenza or URI in humans. Without independent RCTs measuring clinical outcomes (illness duration, complications, hospitalisation), the manufacturer's claims remain marketing statements.