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Cagocel

Medical expert of the article

Internist, pulmonologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

Kagocel is an antimicrobial agent for systemic use, namely antiviral drugs. The name of the pharmacological group, which includes Kagocel, includes immunomodulators, so the drug has two active directions.

The drug is capable of exerting antiviral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects by stimulating the production of interferon, which is the main non-specific immune factor.

In addition, the drug stimulates the synthesis of alpha, beta and gamma interferons, the action of which is aimed at inhibiting the production of RNA and proteins of the virus. In addition, direct and indirect activity of interferons against tumor cells is observed.

The therapeutic effect after the first dose of Kagocel is noted after 4 hours, after which the high level of interferons is maintained for up to 4-5 days. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the body and does not accumulate in tissues, provided that the recommended dosages are observed.

Kagocel is a powerful drug with antiviral action, stimulates the production of interferons and activation of the immune system. In addition, the drug is considered an immunomodulator, which also has a detrimental effect on the course of the disease.

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ATC classification

J05AX Прочие противовирусные препараты

Active ingredients

Кагоцел

Pharmacological group

Противовирусные средства

Pharmachologic effect

Иммуномодулирующие препараты
Противовирусные препараты

Indications Cagocel

Based on the main therapeutic properties of the drug, it is possible to identify diseases for which the drug will be most effective.

Thus, indications for the use of Kagocel imply its use in adults to prevent infection and treat pathologies of viral origin. Most often, the medication is used for influenza infection and other respiratory pathologies of viral origin.

In childhood (from 3 to 6 years) Kagocel is allowed to be used only for therapeutic purposes for viral diseases. In particular, the drug is effective for ARVI with manifestations of rhinitis or nasopharyngitis.

As for older children (from 6 years old), Kagocel can be used not only for therapeutic purposes, but also for preventive purposes. It is especially important to use the medicine in winter, when the child's body is weakened and susceptible to frequent viral attacks, as well as when a flu epidemic approaches.

Indications for use of Kagocel also include treatment of herpes infection in adults with its frequent clinical manifestations in the form of rashes and general symptoms (increased body temperature, weakness, headache and aching joints). In addition, the drug is effective in case of combined infection in the presence of a respiratory disease and the activity of the herpes pathogen.

As an auxiliary drug, Kagocel is used in the treatment of urogenital chlamydia.

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Release form

The main active component of the drug is kagocel. Among the auxiliary components, it is worth highlighting potato starch, calcium stearate, Ludipress (lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, povidone).

The release form of Kagocel is represented by a tablet preparation. Each tablet contains 12 mg of kagocel, which allows you to strictly adhere to the dosage and avoid the occurrence of side effects and overdose.

The main physical and chemical properties of the drug are its round shape, convex surface on both sides, and color – from light cream to brown with small inclusions.

This form of release does not allow the drug to be used in children under 3 years of age, however, each tablet contains a certain amount of the active substance, which allows the medication to be taken without dividing the tablet into parts.

The tablet form of the drug is convenient to use, as it is strictly dosed and does not cause a large number of side effects.

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Pharmacodynamics

Kagocel is an antiviral drug, which determines its mechanism of action. The drug is a stimulator of interferon production.

Pharmacodynamics Kagocel provides the production of late interferon, represented by a combination of alpha and beta interferons, which are characterized by a powerful antiviral effect. Kagocel stimulates its production in all cells responsible for the immune response. Among them, the most active are lymphocytes (T and B), granulocytes, endothelial and macrophage cells, and fibroblasts.

After a single dose of the drug, the interferon titer increases to the maximum level within two days. Subsequently, interferons circulate in the bloodstream for 4-5 days.

Pharmacodynamics Kagocel has a powerful antiviral, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect if the drug is used no later than the 4th day after the acute onset of an infectious disease. To prevent the disease, the drug can be taken at any time, especially after contact with an infectious source.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is used orally, after a single dose of which activation of interferon production is observed and after 48 hours it reaches its maximum level.

When taken orally, only 20% of the drug dose enters the general bloodstream. After 24 hours, the main active substance of the drug accumulates in the liver and lung tissue, thymus gland, urinary organs and lymph nodes.

Pharmacokinetics Kagocel causes a small accumulation in muscles, plasma part of blood, myocardium, brain tissue, testicles and adipose tissue. The small content of the active substance in the brain is due to the significant molecular weight of the drug, as a result of which it is not able to penetrate the BBB.

The drug is transported in the bloodstream in a bound state. Thus, its carriers can be lipids, which bind kagocel by 47%, as well as proteins - up to 37%. The remaining 16% of the drug is an unbound part.

With regular use of the medication for 5-7 days, the pharmacokinetics of Kagocel ensures maximum grouping of the active substance in the spleen and nodes of the lymphatic system.

The process of drug elimination is carried out mainly through the digestive tract. A week after the start of using the medication, 90% of the accumulated volume of the drug is eliminated from the body. The intestines eliminate 90% of the drug, and the kidneys - the remaining 10%. Excretion of Kagocel by the respiratory system is not detected.

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Dosing and administration

Kagocel is taken orally in the prescribed dosage, with a small amount of water. The method of administration and dosage depend on the person's age and health condition. In addition, the purpose of using the drug should be taken into account - for treatment or prevention, which also affects the dosage.

For the treatment of an infectious disease, such as influenza or acute respiratory viral infection, it is recommended to take 2 tablets three times a day in the first 2 days after the acute onset of clinical symptoms. Then, in the next 2 days, do not take more than 1 tablet three times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is 4 days, during which a person takes about 18 tablets.

The method of application and doses for prophylactic purposes are somewhat different. Thus, to prevent influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take courses. You need to start with a single dose of 2 tablets for 2 days, after which you need to take a break for 5 days. Then repeat the drug intake again and take a break again. Thus, the prophylactic course can last from a week to a month.

For therapeutic purposes, children aged 3 to 6 years can take 1 tablet twice a day for the first 2 days, after which 1 tablet twice a day is sufficient for another 2 days. The total duration of the treatment course is 4 days, during which the child takes 10 tablets.

Children over 6 years of age should take 1 tablet three times a day for 2 days, after which the dose is reduced to 1 tablet twice a day also for 2 days. Over 4 days, the child takes 10 tablets.

For preventive purposes, the course is carried out in 7-day cycles for children over 6 years old. For 2 days, you should take 1 tablet once a day, after which you should take a 5-day break and repeat the course again. The duration of the preventive course is from a week to a month.

To treat herpes infection, adults should take 2 tablets three times a day for up to 5 days. The duration of the treatment course is 5 days, during which the total number of tablets is 30 tablets.

When using tablets in the treatment of urogenital chlamydia as an auxiliary drug, it is necessary to adhere to the dosage of 2 tablets three times a day for 5 days.

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Use Cagocel during pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes radical changes affecting almost all organs and systems. All 9 months, the pregnant woman needs to exert enormous strength to ensure optimal conditions for the full growth and development of the fetus.

In addition to changes in hormonal levels, mammary glands and organs of the female reproductive system, a woman’s immunity is also subject to major “tests”.

The use of Kagocel during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the fact that the drug has an immunostimulating effect, which can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus.

Although the formation of organs is observed during the first three months of pregnancy, their growth and development still occurs during the rest of the time.

The use of Kagocel during pregnancy is prohibited at any stage in order to avoid the risk of termination of pregnancy and deterioration of the condition of both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

In addition, the drug is not allowed for use during the period when the baby is breastfed. When a woman takes the drug, the risk of the active ingredient getting into the milk and, accordingly, to the baby increases, which is unacceptable at his age.

Contraindications

Since each organism is unique, reactions to taking the drug can also be completely different. The presence of such manifestations is due to the individual characteristics of the organism. One of the contraindications to the use of Kagocel is considered to be a person's increased sensitivity to the main active substance or auxiliary components.

In addition, contraindications for the use of Kagocel include children under 3 years of age, however, it is not recommended to use the drug for preventive purposes for children under 6 years of age, only for the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases.

One of the most important contraindications is the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the use of Kagocel can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus.

It is worth remembering that the drug cannot be used by people who have a lactase deficiency or intolerance to this enzyme. In addition, glucose-galactose malabsorption is considered a contraindication.

Contraindications to the use of Kagocel imply a ban on the use of such drugs if there has already been a history of adverse reactions to taking the drug.

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Side effects Cagocel

Depending on the composition of the drug and the person's heredity, side effects from the drug may occur when using it. After a single or multiple doses of Kagocel, a person may experience an allergic reaction.

Its main clinical symptoms are systemic manifestations in the form of weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Side effects of Kagocel can manifest themselves exclusively in rashes on the skin, a tingling sensation, itching, increased sensitivity and slight swelling.

Side effects of Kagocel can manifest themselves at any age, depending on the level of sensitivity of the body and genetic predisposition.

As soon as any clinical symptoms not typical for Kagocel are observed, it is necessary to stop its further use. In addition, you should contact a specialist to conduct a study and exclude an overdose.

In general, Kagocel is tolerated quite well, provided that the dosage and recommendations for frequency of use are observed. Also, before using the drug, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the contraindications of the drug to prevent deterioration of the condition.

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Overdose

If the dosage and frequency of administration are observed, overdose is practically excluded. However, it is still recommended to know the clinical manifestations of overdose in order to cancel the drug in time and take measures to quickly eliminate the drug.

Overdose may manifest itself as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness and pain in the stomach area. In this case, it is recommended to go to the hospital for gastric lavage in a hospital setting, as well as "forced diuresis".

Gastric lavage is performed to remove any remaining drug residues that are still in the stomach and to stop further absorption of the drug.

To speed up the process of eliminating the drug from the body, it is necessary to carry out detoxification therapy and stimulate the elimination of the drug with furosemide.

In the future, it is necessary to strictly control the dosage to avoid repeated overdose. This is especially true for children, as they are most sensitive to various medications.

Interactions with other drugs

The medicine is well tolerated by the body, but it is worth considering the interaction of Kagocel with other drugs. Considering that the drug is used to combat infectious agents in influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, in some cases Kagocel alone is not enough to combat the infection.

In this case, it is recommended to use an additional antiviral agent in parallel that does not inhibit the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Kagocel. In general, antiviral drugs are allowed to be used with Kagocel to enhance the therapeutic effect.

The interaction of Kagocel with other drugs, such as antibacterial agents, is also absolutely safe. In most cases, in addition to viral infection of the body, a secondary bacterial infection is observed. As a result, both an antiviral and an antibacterial agent are required to treat the disease.

In addition, Kagocel can be used in parallel with immunomodulators, but it is necessary to strictly adhere to their dosages in order to avoid excessive stimulation of interferon production and activation of the immune system.

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Storage conditions

In order for the medicinal properties of the drug to be preserved for a certain period of time (shelf life), it is necessary to follow the recommendations for its storage.

Storage conditions for Kagocel include maintaining optimal temperature, humidity and lighting. For this medicine, it is necessary to maintain the temperature no higher than 25 degrees.

In addition, it should be taken into account that when exposed to direct sunlight, the drug may change its structure, as a result of which the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are disrupted.

Thus, the drug loses its medicinal properties. To avoid this, it is recommended to observe the storage conditions of Kagocel throughout the entire shelf life.

Particular attention should be paid to the children's access to the medication. If the children find the drug, it is possible to take it in large quantities, which threatens an overdose or poisoning. At this age, the symptoms of side effects can manifest themselves with maximum force, which threatens the health and life of children.

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Shelf life

When manufacturing a medicine, its expiration date must be indicated. It consists of the date of manufacture and the last dose. This information is indicated on the outer cardboard packaging for quick access.

In addition, the expiration date is indicated on each blister with the medicine. If the outer packaging is lost, the date of last use should still be known to avoid using the drug after the expiration date.

During the specified period, the medicine retains its medicinal properties if the recommendations for its storage conditions are followed. If the drug was in a room where the temperature was significantly higher than 25 degrees and sunlight fell on it, it is possible that the medicine changed its structure. Thus, most of its medicinal effects may be lost before the expiration date.

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Manufacturer

Ниармедик Плюс, ООО, Российская Федерация


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Cagocel" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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