In the cold season, antiviral drugs are very popular in drugstores. They help to quickly overcome the flu and other colds caused by viruses. One of those is Kagocel. The use of tablets helps protect a weakened body and help the immune system cope with viruses. This drug is used in the treatment of many pathologies. It is necessary to study the instructions for use and contraindications before taking Kagocel tablets.
The composition of the drug
As the main active ingredient, the composition of the drug includes kagocel in an amount of 12 mg. Of the auxiliary components found:
- Potato starch.
- Calcium stearate.
- Lactose monohydrate.
- Povidone.
- Crospovidone.
The drug is in the form of tablets, another therapeutic form does not exist.
Pharmacological effect on the body
Penetrating into the human body, "Kagocel" promotes the production of interferon, which is distinguished by its antiviral activity. The production of this substance is observed in all cells that take part in the fight against viruses: T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts.
After ingestion of Kagocel tablets, the instruction states that the concentration of interferon in plasma reaches its maximum value after 2 days. In the intestine, the maximum amount of active substance is observed after 4-5 hours. High doses of interferon in plasma persist for 4-5 days after taking the pill. The body responds to the drug with a prolonged circulation of interferon in the bloodstream.
“Kagocel” practically does not cause side effects during therapy. If you take the drug in the recommended dosage, then it does not have a toxic effect on the body, it does not accumulate in the tissues. The conducted animal studies did not reveal the mutagenic, teratogenic, carcinogenic and embryotoxic effects of the drug.
It does not provoke the development of side effects of “Kagocel” in men and women in the reproductive sphere.
The maximum effectiveness of therapy can be expected if treatment is started with the onset of the first symptoms of a cold or viral disease. If prevention is necessary, then you can start taking Kagocel at any time.
Indications for use of the drug
Before considering the side effects of "Kagocel", it is important to find out under what pathologies it is prescribed. Doctors recommend taking the drug for such diseases:
- Acute viral infections.
- Flu.
- Diseases provoked by the herpes virus.
- In the treatment of urogenital chlamydia.
- Intestinal infections of a viral nature.
The drug is perfect for the prevention of viral diseases in both adults and children.
Contraindications and side effects of "Kagocel" we will consider further, and now we will study the treatment regimen and dosage.
Instructions for use of the medicine
Before starting therapy, it is imperative that you study the instructions that come with the drug. Such to "Kagocel" explains that the tablets are taken orally, they must be washed down with plenty of water without crushing and chewing.
Eating does not affect the therapeutic effect of the drug. The duration of therapy and effective dosages should be recommended by the attending physician taking into account the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of other concomitant pathologies.
The standard treatment regimen for adult patients is as follows:
- According to the instructions for use, adults "Kagocel" is recommended to take for the treatment of acute viral infections and influenza in the first couple of days three times a day, 24 mg (two tablets). The next two days, the dosage is reduced to 12 mg three times a day. In total, 18 tablets are required per course.
- As a prophylactic, the drug is recommended to drink for two days once a day, 2 tablets, then a break for 5 days and can be repeated. The duration of such preventive courses can be from several weeks to 3-4 months, while there is a need for this.
- If “Kagocel” is used for the treatment of herpes, then the following scheme and dosage should be observed: for 5 days, take 2 tablets three times a day.
Always the multiplicity and duration of the drug should be agreed with the doctor.
Medicine for the treatment of babies from 2 years
For this age category therapy "Kagocel" is not provided. The following drugs are prescribed for two-year-olds:
- "Orvirem." This medicine contains rimantadine, is available in syrup form and is indicated for the treatment of influenza in young patients.
- Anaferon. The drug contains ready-made antibodies to human gamma-interferon. It can be given to children from a month old. The tablet must first be dissolved in a small amount of boiled water.
- "Tsitovir-3" in the form of a powder. It is allowed to use in children's practice from the age of one. The advantage of this medicine is the possibility of its use for the treatment of children with atopic dermatitis.
- Tamiflu. Allowed medicine for children from a year, available in the form of capsules and powder for the preparation of a suspension.
Treatment of children is recommended only after examination by a pediatrician. Even the most harmless drugs can cause serious consequences.
Kagocel after three years
If the baby is already three years old, then the drug can be taken according to the following scheme:
- The first two days of the disease to give the child twice a day 12 mg.
- The next two days, the dosage is one tablet once a day.
The course lasts 4 days, it takes 6 tablets.
The drug for five year olds
If the baby is 5 years old, then for the treatment of viral diseases, the drug is recommended to be given according to the same scheme and dosage as for children of three years. According to the instructions, "Kagocel" for children as a prophylaxis recommends prescribing a course of seven days. The scheme is as follows:
- The first two days, give the child one tablet.
- This is followed by a break of 5 days.
- Then the reception is repeated.
The course can last from a week to several months. If you look at the information in the instructions, then the use of Kagocel for children for prevention is required:
- In the season of the spread of colds and viral diseases.
- After contact with a patient with SARS or the flu.
If you adhere to the recommended treatment regimen, the drug will help prevent the development of the disease or reduce the likelihood of complications.
"Kagocel" for six years
The information in the instructions for use recommends giving children over 6 years of age the drug in this dosage:
- The first two days, 12 mg three times a day.
- The next two days, a tablet twice a day.
A total of 4 tablets will require 10 tablets. You can take it regardless of the meal.
A medicine for children 7-10 years old
Children 7 years and older are prescribed the drug according to the following scheme:
- On the first day, three tablets per day.
- On the second day, you also need to take 36 mg, divided into three doses.
- On the third day, the dosage is reduced to two tablets.
- On the fourth day, the amount of the drug is the same.
The sooner you start taking the drug, the more effective its effect. It is advisable to drink "Kagocel" from the first day of the disease, after 4-5 days there is no sense in taking it, the body begins to produce interferon on its own.
Reviews of parents about the treatment of children
In children's practice, the drug is used recently, but all reviews were divided into two camps. Of the advantages of “Kagocel”, mothers note the following points:
- The size of the tablet is small, which allows the child to swallow it with ease.
- The course of therapy is short, it is only 4 days.
- Virtually no “Kagocel” side effects.
- One package is enough for the course of therapy for the baby.
- Improvement is observed on the second day after the start of the drug.
- The drug can be purchased at each pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.
- If we compare the cost of the drug with other drugs similar in therapeutic effect, then it is much lower.
But among the opponents of the drug, there are those who talk about the ineffectiveness of the drug for treating children. Some note in the reviews and side effects of "Kagocel".
The distribution of the active substance in the body
The drug contains in its composition the active substance kagocel - a synthetic interferon inducer. The medicine is Russian-made and has no analogues in its current component.
The remedy in a matter of hours stimulates the production of interferon in the intestine, the maximum in the plasma will be maintained for several days. But "Kagocel" penetrates into other tissues and organs, the substance is found:
- In the liver.
- The spleen.
- Lymph nodes.
- In the lung cells.
- In the kidneys.
Most of the medicine is excreted through the digestive tract and about 10% in the urine.
The negative effects of therapy
Most often, side effects do not occur with Kagocel therapy. The medicine is well tolerated by most patients. Even in childhood practice, adverse reactions are rarely observed. In rare cases, due to side effects of “Kagocel”, reviews confirm this, can provoke an allergic reaction.
Who is not recommended drug therapy
Not all patients can use this medication to combat viral and other diseases. The following categories fall into this group:
- In the presence of hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug.
- If there is lactose intolerance, lack of lactase or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
- Children under three years.
- Women who have a baby or breastfeeding.
Analogues of the drug
If there is no "Kagocel" or the drug is not suitable, then you can choose an analog that will have a similar therapeutic effect, among which can be noted:
- "Tsitovir-3."
- Cycloferon.
- Anaferon.
- Amiksin.
- Arbidol.
- "Remantadine."
Choosing an analogue if “Kagocel” gives side effects, it is important to discuss the replacement with your doctor and study the instructions for using the new drug.
The combination of the drug with other drugs
"Kagocel" refers to the group of drugs that are combined without problems with other drugs. Against the background of taking the drug, you can undergo treatment with other antiviral drugs, antibiotics or immunomodulators.
What do patients say about the drug?
Most reviews about this drug are positive. Many note that recovery comes faster if you undergo a course intake of "Kagocel". Among the pluses, there is also the absence of an extraneous smell and unpleasant taste, serious adverse reactions and the ability to use children in therapy.
But you can also find dissatisfied patients in whom the following points cause distrust:
- The presence of gossypol, a substance derived from cottonseed oil. It was revealed that it reduces the fertility of males, this is especially true for children. Since 1989, the use of gossypol in medicines has been banned. Some manufacturers reassure, assuring that there is no danger, since this substance in Kagocel is in a bound state and cannot show its negative effect.
- Laboratory tests of the drug were conducted only on rats, and studies on primates and volunteers are needed to prove efficacy and safety. A placebo control group is also involved. No one has done this with this medicine.
- There is also doubt that the medicine is allowed for the treatment of children from 3 years old, and earlier in the instructions there were other information that can only be after 6 years.
- Among doctors, there is no agreement on the use of the medicine in children's practice, some consider it effective and safe, others prefer to prescribe other drugs to the babies.
If you listen to the opinion of the children's doctor Komarovsky, he believes that among all antiviral drugs, only Tamiflu and Oseltamivir are proven to be effective. These drugs are made on the basis of oseltamivir, the substance has undergone a lot of clinical studies, which cannot be said about other drugs in this group.
Most often, antiviral drugs, and Kagocel, in particular, help to speed up recovery, but before starting treatment it is better to visit a doctor to clarify the diagnosis.