In the autumn-spring period, viral diseases are activated : SARS, influenza, parainfluenza, rotavirus, herpes infection and others. For this reason, adults, adolescents and children suffer. According to disappointing statistics, in the Russian Federation about 16% of the working population is forced to take sick leave due to exacerbation of viral diseases. In the spring (usually in March) many schools and kindergartens are quarantined for the same reason. Fortunately, there are modern antiviral drugs that can be used both as prophylaxis and as a treatment. "Kagocel" is one of those. This is a very popular remedy. From this article you will learn a lot about "Kagocel": instructions for use, reviews, price, analogues, contraindications.
The composition and principle of action of the drug
The active ingredient is the kagocel substance (12 milligrams in one tablet). The composition also includes fairly safe and common auxiliary elements: fructose, crospovidone, potato starch, povidone, calcium stearate, ludipress.
According to the pharmacological effects on the human body, Kagocel partially resembles other antiviral drugs. The effectiveness of the therapeutic effect of Kagocel, unlike its analogues, is possible due to the ability of its active substance to influence the production of gamma globulin (human interferon). Gamma globulin is an antibody with the highest antiviral activity of all substances discovered to date.
The synthesis of antibodies in the body is carried out at the cellular level. This process becomes possible due to the production of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, granulocytes. Due to this process, the effect of "Kagocel" on viruses and infections occurs. Another property of the drug - in addition to the fight and prevention of infection with viral diseases, it is able to increase immunity.
About eighteen hours after taking the first Kagocel tablet, the concentration of antibodies in the red blood cells of the blood reaches a rather high level. The effect is quite long in comparison with analogues (the effect of interferon in human blood lasts up to five days).
"Kagocel" is not a hepatotoxic drug, that is, it does not harm the liver and bile ducts. It is studied and relatively hassle-free regarding the possibility of teratogenic and mutagenic properties.
"Kagocel" does not accumulate in tissues. The low toxicity of the drug in relation to the human embryo makes its use during pregnancy acceptable (only after consulting a doctor). "Kagocel" does not have a carcinogenic effect on cells and tissues of the body.
pharmachologic effect
For the fastest and most obvious therapeutic effect, Kagocel should be drunk no later than three days after the onset of the initial symptoms of an infectious disease. The more time passes from the moment the virus activates, the less effective the medication may be. Reviews about "Kagocel" confirm its maximum effectiveness in the very early stages of the common cold and flu, herpes infections.
The drug is also ideal for the prevention of the following diseases:
- ARVI,
- flu,
- parainfluenza
- rotavirus infection
- herpes infection and others.
About contraindications, instructions, price and reviews for "Kagocel" you can read a little lower.
Pharmacological action of "Kagocel": has a mild antiviral, immunostimulating, radioprotective and partially antimicrobial activity. Belongs to an extensive family of interferon inducer drugs. Instructions for use, analogues, price and reviews on this drug confirm that it is one of the most popular drugs on the modern pharmacological market.
"Kagocel" is activated in the liver into antibodies already five to eight hours after taking the first tablet. In people with liver disease, this process can last longer for three to four hours. The active substance partially settles in the lymph nodes, kidneys. A tiny concentration (about 5 mmol) can remain in the muscle tissue. After a week, all accumulations of antibodies leave the tissue and not a single laboratory analysis will prove the fact of taking interferons from the outside.
Indications for taking the drug
Kagocel is prescribed by general practitioners and pediatricians for adults and children for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. Also, the medication showed in laboratory tests the ability to alleviate the condition of patients in the following conditions:
- acute period of herpes (including genital);
- rotavirus infections - as an adjuvant;
- urogenital chlamydia in both men and women (as part of complex therapy);
- manifestations of viral infection - runny nose, wet cough, tearing, weakness and poor performance.
Reviews on the use of "Kagocel" in herpes indicate that the drug not only treats existing scabs, but also is a good prevention due to the ability to increase general immunity.
Recommended dosage
In acute cases of viral infections and influenza in adults, it is recommended to conduct a course of treatment with Kagocel for four days. The total number of tablets taken is 18 pieces. The first two days should take a loading dose for maximum exposure to viruses: two tablets three times a day. The following days, take one tablet three times a day. Meal time does not affect the absorption of "Kagocel".
In order to prevent viral diseases and influenza in adults, the drug should be used in cycles. The first two days, take two tablets of Kagocel once a day. In the morning or in the evening - it does not matter. Then take a five day break. And repeat the shock in the amount of two tablets. Thus, repeat the described scheme from one week to two months. Such a dosage will avoid infection with viral diseases even during the period of quarantine and epidemics.
The following scheme is most effective for treating children from three to six years: the course duration is four days, the total number of tablets taken is six. They should be taken the first two days, one tablet twice a day. The next two days give the child one tablet once a day.
In order to prevent viral diseases and influenza in children over six years of age, the following dosage is recommended: the first two days, one tablet once a day, then five days off. Thus, repeat the described pattern of cyclic administration from one week to two months. Competent dosage will avoid infection with viral diseases, even during the period of quarantine and epidemics.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, heavy drinking is indicated, followed by inducing vomiting. Before resuming therapy, it is recommended that you consult a specialist.
Side effects
The reviews, instructions for use for “Kagocel” (we will describe analogues later) say that in 85-90 percent of cases, everything goes well and without any complications. However, approximately 10 percent of adults and children may develop the following symptoms:
- chills, increased thermogenesis due to accelerated metabolism from taking interferons;
- indigestion - possibly with individual intolerance to the main active substance or auxiliary components;
- allergic reactions - urticaria, rashes, swelling.
The simple application and price of Kagocel make this drug a leader in the modern pharmacological market of antiviral agents. A minimum of side effects makes it possible to take even for children. Instructions, price, reviews, analogues of "Kagocel" - all this information is recommended to study before use.
Contraindications
You should carefully start taking with small doses or completely abandon the use of "Kagocel" in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and lactation - only after consultation with a doctor.
- Children's age up to three years inclusive.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- Lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Instructions and reviews on "Kagocel" report a relatively rare manifestation of side effects, even if there are contraindications. Nevertheless, it is not worth tempting fate and if you suspect an adverse assimilation of the drug, it is better to completely refuse to take it.
Use for children and adolescents
The use of any medication for children requires a careful approach. Starting to give your child "Kagocel", it is worth every few hours to monitor its condition, measure the temperature and examine the body. In the case of increased heat or the appearance of urticaria, administration should be discontinued.
Instructions for use and reviews of "Kagocel" emphasize that you can not give the drug to children under three years of age. Since four years, the drug has proved to be a mild and effective agent with a rather rare manifestation of side effects. It effectively removes all the symptoms of a cold. It extinguishes a sore throat with angina, reduces tearing and discharge from the nose. Kagocel schoolchildren will help students recover in just a few days and not miss classes. The effect of strengthening general immunity will make it easier to get sick with viral diseases in the future.
Kagocel: analogues
The pharmacological market offers the following medical alternatives to Kagocel:
- "Anaferon" is a homeopathic antiviral drug. The price varies from two hundred to five hundred rubles. Reviews about the analogue of "Kagocel" are mixed: there are many people who are dissatisfied with the action of the drug, who claim that this is just a placebo without a clinically proven effect.
- "Arbidol" is an antiviral drug with an active substance called umifenovir. The price for it starts from three hundred rubles. Some pharmacies sell one blister each. Judging by what kind of reviews Kagocel leaves consumers, it is much more effective than Arbidol in fighting flu and colds.
- "Remantadine" is an antiviral drug developed in Soviet times. It is cheap - about sixty rubles per pack. Alas, its effectiveness leaves much to be desired: for many years the viruses have adapted to Remantadin, and now it is practically useless in most cases. In addition, he has many side effects and contraindications. Reviews of the analogue of "Kagocel" under the name "Remantadine" are often negative.
- "Cycloferon" in addition to the antiviral effect still effectively reduces pain. It helps with sore throat, sore throat, muscle pain. Able to relieve pain with radiculitis. With regular use, strengthens the immune system. According to its chemical formula, the main active substance is closest to the Kagocel interferons.
Interaction with other medicines
If side effects occur with colds and flu, you often have to take several drugs at the same time. How safe is it to combine other medical medicines with Kagocel? Reviews do not report any serious side effects. Let us turn to the opinion of medicine in this regard.
Based on the studies, it was proved: "Kagocel" effectively complements the action of homeopathic antiviral agents. This fact makes it possible to take it in combination therapy.
"Kagocel" enhances the effect of antibiotics, antihistamines and immunostimulants. With the simultaneous use of these drugs should be careful and consult with your doctor about your intentions. In no case should you self-medicate.
In the case of taking several drugs at the same time, there is often an increase or decrease in the therapeutic effect of one or both drugs. This is a big risk, because with increased exposure to serious drugs, cases of falling into a coma, poisoning and even death are possible.
Special instructions and reviews of doctors on the use of an antiviral agent
The doctors' comments about Kagocel are mostly positive. But there is a category of old-school physicians who are biased towards modern means. Even with mild colds, they often prescribe antibiotics to their patients. Of course, this method of therapy is no longer relevant today. Most doctors call Kagocel one of the most popular and effective antiviral drugs.
Here are some tips and instructions from experts that will help make the use of the medication as effective as possible:
- Never combine Kagocel with alcohol. This is fraught with serious allergic reactions. In the best case, the drug simply will not be absorbed or cause irritation of the gastric mucosa. When taking large doses of alcoholic beverages during treatment with Kagocel, serious toxic liver damage is possible.
- Combine taking the drug with popular recipes for influenza familiar to everyone since childhood: mustard plasters, steaming legs. The drug is effective even without these "dances with a tambourine," but when these funds are combined, you can put a seriously ill person on his feet in just a couple of days.
- Before starting therapy, read the instructions for use and reviews about "Kagocel" in detail. A responsible and serious approach to treatment will ensure that there are no side effects and will make treatment simple and quick.