In the epidemic period, it is important to know how to protect yourself from the disease. The drug "Kagocel" is productive as a means of preventing colds and eliminating them. However, before buying it, you need to find out how to take Kagocel, what is its effect on humans and what are the contraindications for use.

Description of the release form, composition

Kagocel medicine is sold in tablets. Their color varies from white with a brown tint to light brown. Brownish specks are visible on the surface. The tablets are convex on both sides.

One tablet contains 12 milligrams of the kagocel compound, which is an active ingredient in pharmaceuticals. In the role of minor components, the medicine contains substances responsible for its dosage form and storage duration.

Pharmacological properties and indications for use

Kagocel is created as an antiviral substance that works by inducing (stimulating) the creation of interferons.

The compound activates the production of late interferons in the human body.

Such interferons combine alpha and beta varieties and are characterized by strong ability to combat viral agents.

The drug works to increase the number of interferons in almost all cells involved in resistance to viruses (T and B lymphocytes, macrophage cells, granular leukocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells).

The maximum content of substances in the blood medium is observed after 48 hours from the use of a single dose of an antiviral agent. The interferon reaction to the adopted Kagocel is characterized by a long (up to 5 days) circulation of interferons in the circulatory apparatus.

In the intestine, the highest content of interferons is observed much faster - already 4 hours after taking the medicine.

Reception of "Kagocel" in therapeutic dosages does not harm the body tissues and does not accumulate in them.

An antiviral agent is most effective in therapy if it is taken within 4 days from the date of infection.

For prophylaxis, “Kagocel” can be used at any time, even immediately after a “collision” with a viral agent.

With internal use of the drug, approximately 20% of the amount taken is released into the bloodstream. 24 hours after taking Kagocel, it accumulates mainly in the liver, less in the lung tissue, thymus, spleen, kidneys and lymph nodes. Its low content is noted in fat and muscles, male sex glands, brain and blood.

The low concentration of the drug in the brain tissues is explained by the fact that the substance has a large molecular weight and cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier (from blood vessels to the brain). In the blood, the substance is detected mainly in compounds with fats (47%) and proteins (37%). Only 16% of the drug remains in free form.

When taking the drug every day for a long time, the content of the drug varies greatly in different systems of the body. However, most drugs are deposited in the spleen and lymph nodes.

The drug is excreted from the human body mainly through the digestive tract. After 7 days of consumption of the product, 88% of the accepted amount of the drug is removed from the body (90% - by the digestive system, 10% - with urine).

Indications for taking "Kagocel" are:

  • treatment and prevention of influenza and SARS;
  • prevention of colds;
  • therapy of herpes infection in adults.

Age limits for taking pills

The drug "Kagocel" should not be drunk by children under 3 years old either to prevent an ailment or to get rid of it.

Instructions for use Kagocel for adults and children

Kagocel 12 mg tablets are taken orally before or after meals, without chopping.

Dosage regimen

To eliminate ARVI and influenza, adults should take Kagocel:

  • 2 days, 2 tablets three times a day;
  • in the next two days - 1 tablet according to a similar scheme.

Thus, for a course of therapy that lasts four days, a person drinks 18 tablets of Kagocel.

"Kagocel" for the prevention of viral infections is taken in courses of seven days. Preventive measures are divided into two stages: active and passive.

  • In the first stage, a person drinks 2 tablets per day for 2 days.
  • The next stage, which lasts 5 days, is a break in the use of Kagocel.

During the passive phase, the active compounds of the drug are exposed. After, such a cycle is repeated if necessary.

In general, preventive medication can be continued for several months.

Kagocel with a cold on the lip, or herpes, drink 5 days according to a scheme similar to ARVI therapy. As a result, 30 tablets of the drug will go to the course of fighting herpes.

In children from 3 to 6 years of age, treatment with “Kagocel” influenza and acute respiratory viral infections is carried out as follows:

  • 2 days, 1 tablet twice a day;
  • then 2 days, 1 tablet per day.

For all treatment, which will last 4 days, you will need 6 tablets of the drug.

"Kagocel" for children from 6 years old for the treatment of influenza and SARS is prescribed:

  • 1 tablet three times a day for two days;
  • 1 tablet 2 times a day (2 days).

Thus, 10 tablets are required for Kagocel treatment of children of this age.

To prevent infection with viral infections, children from 3 years old drink “Kagocel” in cycles of 7 days:

  • two days - 1 tablet once a day;
  • then arrange a "rest" from the drug - 5 days.

After the cycle pass again. Such prevention can last up to several months.

Special instructions for use

To use the product as efficiently as possible, its use should begin no later than 4 days from the appearance of the first signs of the disease.

No studies have been conducted on the effect of the drug on reaction rate and attention.

During pregnancy and lactation

"Kagocel" is not prescribed for pregnant women and nursing mothers, since its safety for the child has not been proven.

Is Kagocel compatible with alcohol

The instructions for the drug do not mention its compatibility or incompatibility with alcohol. However, the best solution would be to stop drinking alcohol while taking an antiviral.

Alcohol in combination with Kagocel can cause adverse reactions of a neurological nature, especially in people prone to depression and psychosis. In addition, alcohol-containing drinks inhibit the beneficial effects of interferons on organisms, which makes treatment with Kagocel less effective.

Drug interaction

"Kagocel" perfectly interacts with other antiviral agents, drugs to stimulate the immune system and antibacterial agents. All of these drugs enhance each other's therapeutic effects, helping a person get better soon.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

Taking the drug "Kagocel" is contraindicated:

  • pregnant
  • nursing mothers;
  • children under 3 years old;
  • persons with lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption;
  • people with hypersensitivity to certain components of an antiviral agent.

Side effects when taking the drug are observed in the form of allergic reactions.

If any unpleasant symptoms appear during the period of taking the medication, you should consult a doctor.

Cases of drug overdose are single and are recognized by the feeling of nausea and soreness in the abdomen. It is necessary to clear the digestive tract from the drug, causing vomiting. After, it is recommended that you drink more detoxifying fluid.

Antiviral drug analogues

"Kagocel" is a pharmaceutical product from the antiviral group, which includes a huge number of drugs that have a similar effect on the body.

  • "Ingavirin" is one of the most famous drugs prescribed during the period of influenza infection and SARS. Sold in capsules. The drug has a strong antiviral effect on infectious agents that cause influenza (type A, B and parainfluenza) and PC infection, adenoviruses and others. The principle of its action is to suppress their reproduction. In addition, the tool has an anti-inflammatory effect.
  • “Arbidol” has the effect of increasing the production of interferon by the human body itself, similar to “Kagocel”. Also, the active substances of the drug activate the processes of humoral and cellular immunity. This leads to increased resistance of a person to viral diseases like ARVI.
  • Amiksin is an artificially produced interferon inducer (which is similar to Kagocel). Its characteristic quality is a short time of manifestation of the therapeutic effect - 4 to 24 hours after taking the medicine. However, the drug cannot be used by children under 7 years of age.
  • Ergoferon is a pharmaceutical product with a very wide range of therapeutic effects. In addition to the antiviral effect and increase the immune response of the body, it has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, due to the composition of the drug. Also, "Ergoferon" is allowed for appointment to children from 6 months.

Analogs of the drug, like Kagocel itself, have contraindications and can provoke adverse reactions. Therefore, carefully read the instructions for the medicine, and it is better to consult a doctor before taking.

Kagocel tablets are an effective antiviral agent that can be used both to eliminate and prevent the development of viral infections. The drug can be successfully used by adults and children who have reached the age of three.

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