Kagocel - instructions for use
Content:
- Release form and chemical composition of Kagocel
- How does Kagocel work?
- Contraindications and special indications
- Interaction of Kagocel with other drugs
- How effective is Kagocel?
- Terms of sale and storage
- Official instruction
The drug Kagocel belongs to the pharmaceutical group of immunomodulators, or rather inducers of the immune response. This means that Kagocel forces the human body to produce shock doses of interferon, a substance that acts as our protector and savior from diseases. Immune cells fight any threat: fungi, bacteria, protozoa. However, Kagocel is considered primarily as an antiviral drug. It is the seasonal rampant of colds viruses that is a global problem that the medical community tries to cope with every year. How does Kagocel protect us from unbearable flu and acute respiratory infections? Let's figure it out.
Release form and chemical composition of Kagocel
This is a rare case in pharmaceutical practice when the brand name coincides with the name of the main active ingredient. Each tablet contains 12 mg of Kagocel, plus calcium stearate, lactose, potato starch and crospovidone. One blister packed in a cardboard box contains ten Kagocel tablets.
How does Kagocel work?
Kagocel is a complex sodium salt that, when ingested, provokes the synthesis of late interferon (a mixture of alpha and beta interferons). A powerful immune response arises, in which almost all cells responsible for the immune status are involved: fibroblasts, lymphocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, endothelial cells. Two days after taking Kagocel, the maximum content of interferon is observed in the blood serum.
The immune response lasts for four to five days from the moment of taking the medication. All this time, there is a continuous circulation of interferon in the tissues and body fluids. Best of all, Kagocel penetrates the intestines, kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs and lymph nodes. Worse - in the heart, muscles, plasma, adipose tissue and brain. The fact is that the drug molecules are too large for unhindered penetration into dense tissues and well-protected organs. But this does not make Kagocel less effective against colds viruses.
The drug is not completely removed from the body soon - after about a week, moreover, only about ten percent is excreted in the urine, and the rest is through the gastrointestinal tract. This prolonged action makes Kagocel an effective prophylactic agent, because even a single but timely intake of this drug can stop the coming threat and stop the disease in the bud.
Dosage and overdose of Kagocel
It is advisable to start taking Kagocel at the first signs of malaise, and even better - immediately after contact with an infectious patient. With ARVI or influenza, the first two days are prescribed 2 tablets in three doses, and in the next two days - one at a time. In total, in four days you will have to take 18 Kagocel tablets. This is enough to bring the immunity to a state of full maximum "combat readiness".
To prevent seasonal colds, you can run the following marathon throughout the winter months:
-
On Mondays and Tuesdays - 2 tablets once;
- There is a break from Wednesday to Sunday.
And so on until the warm spring days. There will be no harm from such a marathon, only benefit: in fact, you will constantly keep your immune status at a high level.
If you need to cope with the herpes virus in the acute phase, you will have to drink 30 Kagocel tablets in five days. Usually, such a powerful immune support is enough to get rid of unpleasant rashes.
If a child has a cold, or an epidemic is raging in an educational institution, it is better to discuss the dosage of the drug with the pediatrician. An experienced doctor will tell you how much Kagocel and in what order to give the baby to cope with the disease or prevent infection.
Accidental overdose of the drug is not life threatening, but if this happens, it is better to immediately drink two liters of water and induce vomiting.
Side effects
Kagocel does not cause any unpleasant side effects, however, allergic reactions are not excluded, therefore, if strange symptoms appear, you need to inform your doctor about them. There are few cases of individual intolerance to Kagocel.
Contraindications and special indications
The drug Kagocel was developed and certified relatively recently. It is still being studied, while fundamental scientific data on the effect of Kagocel on the course of pregnancy and the quality of breast milk are not yet available. Therefore, if you are preparing to become a mother or are breastfeeding, it is better to refrain from taking this drug.
People with congenital lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency and glucose-galactose malabsorption are also not prescribed Kagocel. It is also contraindicated in children under three years of age.
Interaction of Kagocel with other drugs
This drug works well with any antiviral therapy and does not create any dangerous tandems. Kagocel interacts with other drugs according to the principle of additivity: its action is combined with the influence of other drugs, without changing either the degree of this influence or the quality. Kagocel can be administered together with antibiotics, antipyretic and antihistamines without fear of harming health. But to do this, nevertheless, is better no later than 3-4 days after the onset of pronounced symptoms of a cold.
How effective is Kagocel?
Drugs of this kind often raise doubts among people: is it worth spending money on incomprehensible pills, which supposedly increase the body's resistance. It is obvious to everyone how nose drops, cough drops and temperature pills work. And with immunomodulators, many have a bad experience of communication.
Indeed, in this group of medicines there are many dubious homeopathic pills that have absolutely no effect on influenza patients. Having suffered for several days with such a "medicine" and having reached an extremely serious condition, a person, swearing, comes to the pharmacy for tried and tested medicines and promises to continue to believe advertising. However, Kagocel is a modern, clinically tested drug, the action of which is as simple and obvious as that of antipyretics and antibiotics. It is really worth spending money to buy it.
Terms of sale and storage
Kagocel is suitable for three years from the date of release, it is stored in a dry and cool place, it is sold freely in pharmacies, without a doctor's prescription.
Official instruction
Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist
Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.
