Immunomodulating and antiviral agents are especially popular only in the autumn-winter season, when colds attack not only adults, but also young children.
An antiviral drug taken on time does not allow the disease to spread throughout the body, and with an existing disease, it quickly eliminates all its symptoms.
What are the most effective cold and flu medicines? Today we will tell you about such a popular drug as Kagocel. Instructions, analogues, cost and indications of this medication will be presented below.
Composition, release form, description and packaging
Are you aware of the form in which the drug “Kagocel” is released for children? Instructions for use states that this product is sold in the form of cream or brownish tablets of a round and biconvex form with a splash. Its active ingredient is a substance such as kagocel.
It should also be noted that the medication in question contains auxiliary components in the form of potato starch, calcium stearate and ludipress, that is, direct compression lactose, consisting of lactose monohydrate and povidone.
Kagocel tablets can be purchased in packaged blister packs that are placed in packs of cardboard.
Mechanism of action
How does the Kagocel preparation work, the price of which is named a little lower? This tool is a complex organic sodium salt, which is obtained by synthesizing cotton seeds and carboxymethyl cellulose from water-soluble polyphenol.
From the foregoing, we can safely conclude that “Kagocel” for children is an antiviral agent, which is based on a certain proportion of plant compounds.
According to the instructions, this medication has the following properties:
- antiviral;
- antimicrobial;
- immunomodulatory;
- radioprotective.
The mechanism of action of this drug is very simple. It is based on the ability of the active components to stimulate the formation of various types of interferon, that is, natural proteins that protect the human body. In turn, they activate enzymatic systems that inhibit the harmful microflora and viral colonies.
In addition, interferons inhibit tumor activity. The scope of this drug extends to T- and B-lymphocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, granulocytes and even fibroblasts.
Features of the medication
What features are inherent in the drug "Kagocel" for children? After a day, the main components of this drug accumulate in the lungs, liver tissues, kidneys, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes, that is, in all organs that exhibit pronounced immune properties against viruses coming from outside.
It should also be noted that a small concentration of the constituent ingredients is observed in adipose tissue, myocardium of the heart, testes, muscles, blood plasma and the brain.
Serum interferon increases gradually. He reaches his maximum concentration in the blood two days after taking the tablets. In the intestine, the dynamics of accumulation of antiviral elements is much higher and is observed after 4 hours.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is characterized as lasting. This is due to the fact that the response of interferons persists for 5 days. Due to this property, the maximum effectiveness of the drug with conservative treatment is observed when it is taken no later than 4 days from the onset of the acute course of the disease.
Pharmacokinetics
Are Kagocel tablets absorbed? When taken orally into the systemic circulation, the drug enters in an amount of 20% of the total dose. After a day, it accumulates in the internal organs and tissues.
The small content of the active component in the brain is explained by the large molecular weight of the drug, which makes it difficult for it to penetrate the BBB.
In the blood, the drug binds to lipids (47%) and proteins (37%). The unbound portion of the drug is approximately 16%.
The medication is removed mainly through the intestine a week after administration.
Indications for use of the drug
When do they buy Kagocel medication for children? Instructions for use indicate the following diseases:
- acute viral infections (respiratory);
- flu;
- herpes simplex in adult patients;
- prevention of colds.
Contraindications
What are the contraindications to taking the drug "Kagocel" for children? Instructions for use indicate the following contraindications to this remedy:
- period of breastfeeding and pregnancy;
- individual hypersensitivity of the patient to the constituent substances of the drug;
- acquired or hereditary intolerance to the drug;
- digestive tract enzymatic disorders;
- age category up to 3 years.
The drug "Kagocel" for children: instructions for use
The annotation says that such antiviral tablets should be used only orally. At the same time, they can not be chewed, and also kept for a long time in the oral cavity (it is necessary to drink it with plain water).
The dosage and duration of treatment of the child with this drug are selected individually.
Dosage for children
How do babies give the drug "Kagocel": before or after a meal? According to the instructions, food does not affect the therapeutic properties of this medicine. Therefore, you can use it regardless of the meal.
Reception of "Kagocel" in 3-6 years is in the amount of 1 tablet twice a day (in the first 2 days). In the next two days, the same dose is prescribed once a day.
Thus, the children's therapeutic course includes 6 tablets, which are taken for 4 days.
How to drink "Kagocel" from the age of 6 years? In this case, it is prescribed 1 tablet three times a day (in the first 2 days). In the next two days, the dose is maintained, but the ratio is reduced to two times a day.
Thus, the duration of conservative therapy does not change, but the dosage is increased to 10 tablets.
"Kagocel" for the prevention of viral diseases is taken one tablet per day for four days.
Taking the drug for herpes
How to drink "Kagocel" with herpetic eruptions? Due to the fact that the effect of this drug extends to the immune system and viruses, it is used not only to treat flu and colds, but also to eliminate herpes.
With this disease, the medication is prescribed in the amount of two tablets three times a day for five days. The course dose of the drug is 30 tablets.
Prescribing to adults
The drug "Kagocel" for the prevention of colds is taken in 7-day cycles. In this case, the course is divided into two phases. During the first medication, take 2 tablets once a day for two days. As for the second phase, that one includes a 5-day break. During this time, the active components of the drug are able to realize their therapeutic effects. After this, the preventive course can be repeated.
How do adults drink Kagocel tablets: before or after a meal? Admission of this drug by adult patients should also not depend on food intake.
For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, as well as flu or flu-like diseases, this medication is prescribed 2 tablets three times a day for the first two days, and on the next 2 days - 1 tablet three times a day.
Side effects
Now you know how to give the drug "Kagocel" to a child (3 years).
It should also be noted that adverse effects from the use of this tool develop very rarely. As a rule, they are limited only to allergic reactions. But if the patient has discovered any side effects, then he should immediately contact a qualified doctor.
Cost and similar
How much do Kagocel tablets cost? The price of this medicine is not very high. On average, it is 180-200 rubles.
As for similar drugs, specialists refer to them the following drugs: Aveol, Bronhostop, Aqua Maris, Atoxil, Bicyclol, Avioplant, Vazonat, Abyufen, Glyciram, Arbidol "," Ingavirin "," Anaferon "and others.
Unfortunately, not all of these drugs can be given to children from three years old. Therefore, before taking them, you should definitely consult with a pediatrician.
Reviews
Kagocel tablets are a very popular antiviral drug. According to patient reviews, its clinical efficacy manifests itself quite quickly. Within a week, the drug completely eliminates acute respiratory disease, and also significantly improves the patient's quality of life, including in the winter.
Most experts recommend using the aforementioned tool for preventive rehabilitation of the bronchopulmonary system.
Reviews of parents about this drug are more positive. According to their reports, this medication can be given to children from three years old. It well eliminates all signs of the common cold and flu, and also does not give severe side effects.