Home / Medicines / Cheaper Kagocel analogues in 2022 - list of the best substitute drugs
"Kagocel" is a modern drug that has a pronounced immunostimulating and antiviral effect. Thanks to it, the pathogenic microflora present in the body quickly begins to die. The progression of the disease immediately stops, and the patient recovers.
When prescribing this medication, the doctor must explain its effect to the patient. If for one reason or another a person cannot purchase an antiviral drug, a specialist will offer him an equally effective analogue.
Kagocel - instructions for use
Kagocel is taken either before or after meals. Application regimens vary depending on the disease, the age of the patient and the purpose of administration (preventive or therapeutic).
For example, for treatment of flu or ARVI, Kagocel is taken for two days, 2 tablets 3 times a day, then for another two days - 1 tablet three times a day.
For prevention, adults should drink Kagocel in seven-day cycles: 2 days, 2 tablets once, 5 days off. The prophylactic course can last up to several months.
Treatment and prevention regimens for children over 3 years of age are described in detail in the instructions for use.
Kagocel can be absorbed, you can simply swallow it with water.
The main thing is to start treatment no later than four days from the onset of symptoms.
Use of antiviral drugs in pediatrics
Children are no less susceptible to viruses than adults, which justifies the use of antiviral drugs in pediatric therapy. In pediatrics, doctors prescribe:
- homeopathy in combination with antipyretics;
- medications - interferon stimulants.
The doctor always chooses a less toxic medication.
Important! The main thing is not to harm the fragile child’s body, so compliance with the dosage and characteristics of the child is required. Antiviral drugs are produced specifically for children in the form of syrups and drops.
The instructions indicate at what age the child can be given this medicine. Examples:
- Anaferon and Ergoferon are allowed from 6 months;
- Kagocel is prescribed from the age of three;
- Cyclovir-3 is taken only from 6 years of age;
- Arbidol and Aflubin - from two years.
Amiksin and cycloferon are used in rare cases with complications. Pregnant women and children are advised to use interferon derivatives for external use - Grippferon spray and drops.
Kagocel's analogs
Before replacing Kagocel with any analogues for adults or children, you should consult a specialist at a pharmacy or doctor.
Kagocel analogues should not be confused with drugs that alleviate the symptoms of colds, such as Rinza, Rinikold, Koldakt, Ibuklin, Antigrippin, TeraFlu. These medications are taken together with Kagocel and similar drugs.
Real analogues of Kagocel tablets are all kinds of immunomodulators, antiviral agents, containing various active components.
A list of analogues differing in active ingredients and prices is presented in the table:
A drug | Active substance | Average price of a package for a minimum course of treatment, rub. | Country of origin |
Kagocel | Kagocel | 420 | Russia |
Arbidol | Umifenovir | 500 | Russia |
Remantadine | Rimantadine | 150 | Russia/Latvia |
Cycloferon | Meglumine acridone acetate | 200 | Russia |
Ergoferon | Antibodies to interferon and histamine | 350 | Russia |
Amiksin | Tiloron | 600 | Russia |
Ingavirin | Pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide | 500 | Russia |
Anaferon | Antibodies to interferon | 250 | Russia |
Trekrezan | Hydroxyethylammonium methylphenoxyacetate | 300 | Russia |
Polyoxidonium | Azoximer bromide | 500 | Russia |
Tsitovir | Alpha glutamyl tryptophan + Ascorbic acid + Bendazole | 300 | Russia |
Galavit | Sodium aminodihydrophthalazindione | 600 | Russia |
Tamiflu | Oseltamivir | 1000 | Switzerland |
Isoprinosine | Inosine pranobex | 500 | Israel |
Viferon | Interferon alpha | 350 | Russia |
Broncho-munal | Lysates of five bacteria | 400 | Slovenia |
Groprinosin
Manufacturer: Gedeon Richter, Hungary
Release form: tablets
Active ingredient: Inosine pranobex
Synonyms: Isoprinosine, Normomed
An analogue of Kagocel for children over 3 years of age and adults, Groprinosin acts against the virus by damaging its genetic apparatus, thereby blocking the replication of the virus. The drug is used to treat influenza, ARVI, herpes, herpes zoster, chickenpox, measles and cytomegalovirus infection.
Treatment with this analogue of Groprinosin should begin from the first day of the disease.
Broncho-munal
Manufacturer: Sandos, Slovenia
Release form: capsules
Active ingredient: Lysates of 5 bacteria
Synonyms: Broncho-Vaxom
The Broncho-munal analogue consists of lysates of five bacteria, most often causing infectious respiratory diseases, and enhances the body's protective properties against viruses and bacteria.
Increases resistance to respiratory system infections, reduces the frequency of exacerbations and duration of diseases.
It is better to take this analogue, not as a replacement, but in combination with Kagocel.
Tamiflu
Manufacturer: Hoffman La Roche, Switzerland
Release form: capsules
Active ingredient: Oseltamivir
Synonyms: Nomides, Seltavir
The Tamiflu analogue, as a neurominidase inhibitor, disrupts the ability of the virus to penetrate inside the cell. Used for influenza caused by various strains of the virus.
It is important to start treatment from 1–2 days of illness; it can be used in children from 1 year of age. Unlike Kagocel, the analogue Tamiflu is available only by prescription.
Galavit
Manufacturer: Selvim, Russia
Release form: sublingual tablets, rectal suppositories, powder for preparing a solution for intramuscular use.
Active ingredient: Aminodihydrophthalazindione sodium
Synonyms: Tamerite
The analogue Galavit is used for chronic, recurrent viral infections as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent.
It is also used to treat inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, throat, periodontal disease, and with decreased performance.
The advantage of the Galavit analogue is the ability to start treatment at any time, at any stage of the disease.
Viferon
Manufacturer: Feron, Russia
Release form: ointment and gel for external and local use, rectal suppositories
Active ingredient: Interferon alpha
Synonyms: Altevir, Genferon, Grippferon, Reaferon
The Viferon analogue in the form of a gel and ointment is applied to the nasal mucosa; it is best taken in combination with Kagocel as a complex therapy.
As an independent drug, this analogue can be used during pregnancy and children from 6 months.
Kagocel: brief description of the drug
This antiviral agent is a sodium salt synthesized in a special way, which has a complex organic composition.
In the process of developing the active component, natural ingredients are used.
Kagocel affects the body in different directions:
- activates immune reactions;
- fights viruses and pathogens;
- protects cells and tissues when exposed to radioactive radiation.
Interferons produced by the human body during treatment with this drug suppress the development of cancer in the early stages.
Kagocel is prescribed for:
- flu;
- ARVI;
- manifestations of herpetic lesions in adults;
- as a prevention of colds and viral diseases.
Contraindications to the use of this drug are:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children under 3 years of age;
- individual intolerance to individual components;
- lactase deficiency.
Kagocel has virtually no side effects. But if an allergic reaction occurs, treatment is stopped and the drug is replaced with an analogue after consultation with a doctor.
The course of taking the drug is:
- 18 tablets over 4 days in adults;
- 10 pills over the same period in children over 6 years of age;
- patients 3-6 years old - 6 tablets, distributed over 4 days.
Kagocel is not an antibiotic, despite its strong resistance to viruses and microbes. The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription. The average cost of a package of 10 tablets is 250 rubles.
Kagocel or Arbidol - which is better and more effective
Manufacturer: OTCPharm, Russia
Release form: film-coated tablets, capsules, powder for the preparation of suspension for oral administration.
Active ingredient: Umifenovir
Synonyms: Afludol, Arpeflu, Arbidol Maximum, Arpetol
In addition to influenza and herpes, the Arbidol analogue is also used for rotavirus intestinal infections and for the prevention of postoperative complications. An adult should take 2 capsules 4 times a day; for a child over 2 years old, a convenient form is available - powder for preparing a suspension.
According to doctors, the effectiveness of Kagocel is not inferior to Arbidol.
Kagocel: composition and dosage form of the drug
The active component of the medicine is a sodium salt based on carmoxymethylcellulose and a polyphenol compound of plant origin. Kagocel stimulates the formation of human interferons, immune proteins that suppress harmful microflora:
- macrophages;
- lymphocytes;
- endothelial cells;
- granulocytes;
- fibroblasts.
The drug has antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, radioprotective effects. Active against pathogens of ARVI and herpes simplex.
Kagocel is available in the form of tablets for oral use: biconvex, light brown in color with small inclusions. Packaging: contour blisters with 10 cells.
The drug tablet contains 12 mg of gossypol copolymer and auxiliary components:
- starch;
- calcium salts;
- lactose;
- povidone.
Kagocel or Ergoferon
Manufacturer: Materia Medica, Russia
Release form: lozenges
Active ingredient: antibodies to interferon, histamine and CD4 lymphocytes
Another Russian analogue of Kagocel, Ergoferon, due to its unique composition, has an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect at the same time. Used to treat many acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children starting from the age of six months.
This substitute is cheaper than Kagocel, since one package is enough for both children and adults for a minimum course of treatment.
Anaferon or Kagocel
Anaferon is known as a homeopathic remedy for the prevention of colds and viral diseases, containing antibodies to gamma interferon produced by the human body.
Tablets are used as an additional therapeutic agent to help resist infection and eliminate inflammation.
Contraindications to taking Anaferon, as well as Kagocel, are intolerance, pregnancy, and lactation. There is a significant difference between the drugs: the first has a special pediatric dosage, so it can be given to children from 1 month of age. Kagocel, unlike Anaferon, has a more complex composition, where the medicinal substance is combined with a nanopolymer, which greatly enhances the therapeutic effect against viruses.
If Kagocel is taken mainly during a cold, then Anaferon is often used as a prophylaxis. The latter drug is recommended for regular use by people with weakened immune systems and those who are forced to be in large groups. The effectiveness of Anaferon has not been proven. The cost of a package of 20 lozenges is 210 rubles, which is cheaper than Kagocel.
Kagocel or Ingavirin – which is better and more effective?
Manufacturer: Valenta, Russia
Release form: capsules
Active ingredient: Pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide
The Ingavirin analogue is used for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children over 13 years of age. It is an immunomodulator with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. According to reviews from doctors and patients, the effect of the drug appears faster if it is used on the first day of the disease.
Is it possible to combine Kagocel with alcohol?
There is no data on the interaction of the drug components with ethanol and the formation of toxic compounds when used together. However, under the influence of alcohol, the mechanism of interferon formation may be disrupted. In such cases, the therapeutic effect of Kagocel will be insufficient or will disappear.
In addition, alcohol may increase the risk of allergic reactions and side effects while taking the medication. For these reasons, you should abstain from alcohol for a period of at least 5 days from the last time you took Kagocel.
Kagocel or Cycloferon – which is better?
Manufacturer: POLYSAN, Russia
Release form: film-coated tablets
Active ingredient: Meglumina acridone acetate
Cycloferon is a domestic substitute for Kagocel for adults and children over 4 years of age; it is also used to treat influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and infections caused by the herpes virus. How effective this analogue is depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Price
You can purchase the medicine at absolutely any pharmacy. You do not need to have a recipe for this, as it is freely available. The price of the medicine is from 180 to 220 rubles for 1 package, which contains 10 tablets.
Table - existing forms of the drug Kagocel with prices *
Name | Manufacturer | Active substance | Price |
KAGOCEL 0.012 N20 TABLE | NEARMEDIC PHARMA, LLC | * | 452.90 RUR |
KAGOCEL 0.012 N10 TABLE | NEARMEDIC PHARMA, LLC | * | 237.90 RUR |
Kagocel or Amiksin
Manufacturer: Pharmstandard, Russia
Release form: film-coated tablets
Active ingredient: Tiloron
Synonyms: Lavomax, Tiloram
The use of Amiksin is broader: in addition to influenza and ARVI, it is used for the treatment of chlamydia, hepatitis B and C, cytomegalovirus, in the complex therapy of neuroviral infections and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Convenient regimens for taking this analogue are 1 tablet per day, then every other day. The minimum course of treatment is 6 tablets, and for prevention - one tablet once a week.
Analogues of Kagocel with direct action on viral cells
These drugs destroy pathogen cells, glue the lipid membrane to the cell membrane and deprive the virus of the ability to reproduce.
Arbidol can also be classified in the first group, since it, along with the direct destruction of viruses, enhances the formation of interferons. A special feature of the main component of Arbidol, umifenovir, is its antiallergic effect, which relieves swelling of the nasopharynx during colds. It affects the condition of the lungs, so it is prescribed for pneumonia. The course is longer than that of Kagocel - two weeks.
Rimantadine 40 years ago effectively fought the influenza A virus, destroying it already at the birth stage. Over time, this virus has developed resistance to rimantadine, so the drug is now used to prevent influenza B and tick-borne encephalitis. Its antitoxic effect is appreciated, but one must take into account the presence of side effects on the part of the digestive system and the central nervous system.
Kagocel or Trekrezan
Manufacturer: Usolye-Sibirsky Chemical Plant, Russia
Release form: tablets
Active ingredient: Hydroxyethylammonium methylphenoxyacetate
Synonyms: Trecresil, Trecrezolide
The Trekrezan analogue belongs to the group of general tonic adaptogens. Stimulates the production of interferons, strengthens the immune system, increases the body's resistance to diseases, harmful environmental factors, and the effects of toxins, including alcohol.
Trecrezan is better in combination with Kagocel - for the treatment of influenza and during the recovery period after recovery.
The drug reduces the risk of exacerbations and complications after viral infections.
Remantadine or Kagocel
Both drugs are used in the fight against viruses of various etiologies, but they are not absolute analogues.
The active substance in Remantadine, 1-ethylamine hydrochloride, also known as meradan, has a direct effect on the threat to the body, unlike Kagocel, which acts through the production of interferon.
The main difference of Remantadine, which is not in its favor, is its effectiveness only in the fight against influenza A. Due to the frequent use of this drug in medical practice, the virus has mutated many times and is now practically untreatable with meradan. Kagocel increases immunity, counteracting any infection, regardless of its modifications.
Contraindications to the use of Remantadine are:
- age up to 7 years;
- chronic liver diseases during periods of exacerbation;
- kidney pathologies;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- depressive states, neuroses.
A positive quality of Remantadine is its low price compared to Kagocel - from 74 rubles for 20 tablets.
Kagocel or Cytovir 3 – which is better?
Manufacturer: Cytomed, Russia
Release form: capsules, syrup for children, powder for the preparation of solution for oral administration
Active ingredient: Alpha-glutamyl-tryptophan + Ascorbic acid + Bendazole
The analogue Cytovir 3 is a complex drug consisting of two immunomodulators and the antioxidant ascorbic acid, which in combination enhance each other’s effect. The severity of symptoms decreases, the duration and complexity of the course of influenza and ARVI decreases.
For children over 6 years old, this analogue of Kagocel is cheaper and more convenient to use in the form of syrup.
Interferon inducers
These drugs do not introduce additional protective elements into the body, but “stimulate” the body’s own immune cells, enhancing their performance. Proteins related to the body work better than those introduced from outside, so the efficiency of inducers is high.
The list of analogues of Kagocel opens with Amiksin , which is 2 times stronger. The main active ingredient tiloron has a wide spectrum of action and is also used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus, chlamydia, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Amiksin is easy to take - one tablet daily. There is information about its antitumor activity. Children are allowed only from 7 years old.
Cycloferon is the closest substitute for Kagocel. Both trigger the production of their own interferons and destroy viruses. Both have anti-inflammatory effects and the same indications. Cycloferon is contraindicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. It is combined with many medications, which is important for chronic patients, and reduces the risk of complications. Available in tablets and ampoules. Injections are prescribed for serious diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV infection.
Ingaverin can be called an analogue of Kagocel for adults. Age restrictions are due to the lack of scientific conclusions about the effect of the drug on adolescents: use is not recommended before 7 years and after 17 years. It was first used in oncology, taking advantage of its effect on hematopoiesis. Clinical studies have shown high activity against H1N1 viruses, swine flu, and coronaviruses. Ingaverin stimulates innate immunity, increases the level of interferons to normal.
Cytovir-3. A complex analogue of Kagocel tablets consists of ascorbic acid, thymogen and bendazole. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant, thymogen activates lymphocytes of the immune system, and bendazole is an interferon inducer. In combination with vaccination, this remedy reduced the incidence of illness during influenza epidemics by 5-7 times. Contraindications: convulsions, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, hypotension, stomach ulcers. Children are allowed from 6 years old.
Kagocel or Polyoxidonium
Manufacturer: Petrovax, Russia
Release form: tablets, rectal and vaginal suppositories, lyophilisate for the preparation of solution for injection and topical use
Active ingredient: Azoximer bromide
Polyoxidonium has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and is also an antioxidant. It is used for respiratory diseases caused by viral, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as for regeneration after various injuries, to relieve complications during radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Polyoxidonium is safe for children from six months of age.
Kagocel has passed all tests, its safety has been proven by medical research and time - for more than 15 years the drug has been successfully used in the treatment of viral infections in children and adults.